Abraham Lincoln's Leadership During The Civil War

702 Words2 Pages

Abraham Lincoln, a great leader, was dedicated to the American people and to solving the issues faced by the United States. He demonstrated his leadership through his actions as President. Lincoln was truly committed to preserving the Union. His wartime leadership proved valuable during the hard years of the Civil War. Lastly, Lincoln’s actions to end slavery, through the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, showed that he had the best interest of all Americans in mind. Abraham Lincoln’s hard work and perseverance ensured that the Civil War would come to an end and a that the states would reunite. Abraham Lincoln throughout the Civil War insisted on maintaining the Union. Lincoln knew that the views between the North and …show more content…

Lincoln knew that he himself had to provide strong leadership during the Civil War but he also knew that strong leadership directly on the battlefield was vital. Lincoln dismissed Generals such as Irvin McDowell, George McClellan, and Ambrose Burnside, because of the poor leadership, strategy and indecisiveness. He relied on Generals Like Ulysses S. Grant, Philip Sheridan, and William T. Sherman, who followed orders, gave good leadership, and that he could rely on to obtain a Union victory. Lincoln’s speeches and support to win the Civil War at all costs truly inspired soldiers to gain victory. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address assured everyone that all those who have died will not have died for nothing and showed Lincoln still gave full support to the war effort. His second Inaugural Address stated that there would be “malice toward none” which showed that Lincoln believed that a peaceful resolution was attainable and that the Confederacy would be welcomed back into the Union without vengeance or hatred. Furthermore, Lincoln’s wartime leadership would also lead to the liberation of many enslaved …show more content…

After the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln knew a Union victory was imminent thus allowing him to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, in 1862, which freed slaves in the Confederate States. Although it did not completely abolish slavery it was an important stepping stone to the abolition of slavery and it was important Lincoln issue the Proclamation after he knew the Union was going to win as it would ensure the freedom of slaves. It was also essential that Lincoln get the 13th Amendment passed before the end of the war because the Proclamation was a war measures act and would return slaves back into slavery if the war had ended before the Amendment was issued. Lincoln had gained enough support before the Civil War had ended to abolish slavery through the 13th Amendment, in 1865, freeing a large number of African-Americans. Lincoln helped to end an issued that plagued the United States and the civil rights of

More about Abraham Lincoln's Leadership During The Civil War

Open Document