How Lincoln Mastered His Enemies To Win The Civil War, Free The Slaves, And

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is often hailed as one of the greatest leaders in American history. His perseverance, intelligence, and strategic mastery played a pivotal role in winning the Civil War and ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery. In this article, we will delve into how Lincoln's skills in diplomacy, political maneuvering, and leadership helped him overcome his enemies, unite a divided nation, and leave a profound impact on American society.

The Challenges Lincoln Faced

Lincoln assumed the presidency in 1861 at a time when the United States was tearing apart due to the secessionist movement of the Southern states. The Civil War, which ensued shortly after, posed immense challenges for him. Not only did he have to confront military hurdles, but he also faced political adversaries who challenged his authority, doubted his ability to lead, and fiercely defended the institution of slavery.

Diplomatic Maneuvers

Despite the tensions, Lincoln skillfully engaged in diplomatic maneuvers to secure alliances and support for the Union cause. He recognized the importance of international opinion and worked tirelessly to prevent foreign recognition of the Confederacy. Through intensive negotiations, he managed to maintain the Union's neutral status while avoiding war with other major powers such as Britain and France, who contemplated supporting the Confederacy. These diplomatic triumphs greatly contributed to the Union's eventual victory.

The Battles that Made Abraham Lincoln: How Lincoln Mastered his Enemies to Win the Civil War, Free the Slaves, and Preserve the Union

by Larry Tagg (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9428 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	712 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	1.01 pounds

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Political Strategy

Lincoln's political strategy was instrumental in maintaining the support of key factions within his own Republican Party. He navigated through the divergent opinions of influential figures, such as Radical Republicans and conservative Unionists, who often clashed over the direction of the war and the issue of slavery. By skillfully balancing their interests, Lincoln kept the party cohesive and focused on the ultimate goal of ending slavery and reunifying the nation.

Leadership through Crisis

Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War was defined by his ability to manage a vast array of challenges. From coordinating military campaigns to rallying the public morale, he demonstrated an unwavering resolve to achieve victory. Despite facing numerous setbacks and internal divisions, Lincoln remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving the Union and emancipating the slaves. His speeches, such as the iconic Gettysburg Address, served as powerful tools to motivate the nation and articulate the moral imperative of the war.

The Emancipation Proclamation

One of Lincoln's most significant achievements was the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. By declaring that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be freed, Lincoln transformed the war from a struggle solely for preserving the Union to a moral battle against slavery. This proclamation not only aimed to weaken the Confederacy by depriving them of their labor force but also inspired enslaved African Americans to flee to Union-controlled areas. The Emancipation Proclamation laid the foundation for the eventual end of slavery in the United States.

Legacy and Impact

Lincoln's mastery over his enemies, both on the battlefield and in political spheres, led to the defeat of the Confederacy and the preservation of the Union. His unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty and equality resulted in the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States. Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War and his relentless pursuit of justice inspire leaders to this day, reminding them of the extraordinary lengths they must go to overcome challenges and forge a better future for their nations.

Abraham Lincoln's skills as a diplomat, political strategist, and leader allowed him to master his enemies, win the Civil War, and ultimately free the slaves. His legacy continues to shape the United States of America, serving as a testament to the power of leadership in times of crisis. Lincoln's journey provides valuable lessons for leaders around the world who aspire to overcome adversity and create a more just and inclusive society.

The Battles that Made Abraham Lincoln: How Lincoln Mastered his Enemies to Win the Civil War, Free the Slaves, and Preserve the Union

by Larry Tagg (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9428 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	712 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	1.01 pounds

FREE

A timely look at the atmosphere of political hostility surrounding the Civil War, and the venom faced by America’s sixteenth president.
 
Today, Abraham Lincoln is a beloved American icon, widely considered to be our best president. It was not always so. This book takes a look at what Lincoln’s contemporaries actually thought and said about him during his lifetime, when political hostilities, and ultimately civil war, raged.
 
The era in which our sixteenth president lived and governed was the most rough-and-tumble in the history of American politics. The hostility behind the criticism aimed at Lincoln by the great men of his time, on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line, is startling, the spectacular prejudice against him often shocking for its cruelty, intensity, and unrelenting vigor. The plain truth is that Lincoln was deeply reviled by many in his time. This book is both an entertaining read and a well-researched, serious look at the political context that begat the president’s predicament.
 
Lincoln’s humanity has been unintentionally trivialized by some historians and writers who have hidden away the real man in a patina of bronze. This book helps us better understand the man he was, and how history is better and more clearly viewed through a long-distance lens.
 
“Not the warm and fuzzy portrait we’re used to seeing . . . An eye-opening study, the first of its kind to focus on what Lincoln’s contemporaries really thought of him. On the other hand, this is not mean-spirited Lincoln-bashing . . . Tagg assesses his presidency through the social and political context of mid-19th century America. It was a time, for example, when ‘the rabid press routinely destroyed the reputations of public men,’ when the stature of the presidency, ‘stained by feeble performances from a string of the poorest presidents in the nation’s history,’ had plunged over decades.” —Civil War Times Magazine