America After Abraham Lincoln

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America After Abraham Lincoln 1

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, has undoubtedly left a

distinguished mark upon American history. The five years he served in office were certainly some of the most violent and dangerous years of the Republic. From the secession of South Carolina to the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse, Lincoln’s America faced numerous problems and situations that required a strong leader. In addition, the entire fabric of American democracy and liberalism was attacked. However, in what light must Lincoln be presented? Was Lincoln a simple man, whose development from defender of slavery to its moral opposition can be seen?

In short, no. Lincoln is not a simple personality. By examining official speeches from throughout his time served as President, the official progression from 1861 to 1865 is visible. Lincoln’s 1861 Inaugural Address would, if given in 1865, be almost unrecognizable. Lincoln had greatly changed his rhetoric and war language. Was this change mainly due to a maturation of thought, or instead was this part of a calculated plan developed in order to defeat the rebellious South?

Abraham Lincoln can be considered one of the best leaders the United States of America has ever seen. Lincoln was an intelligent leader who understood what it would take to win the Civil War. As a general rule, mothers do not wish to send their children off to die in a war that is believed to be about a nation’s finances, sectional rivalries, or other government issues. The United States, in 1861, was experiencing the great movement of public opinion that resulted from newspapers and other methods of information transfer (such as the telegraph and trains). It is importa...

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...ion, Lincoln can be said to have re-invigorated American liberalism as well. Therefore, Lincoln’s greatness rests not upon his Emancipation proclamation, or among his winning the war. Instead, the importance of Lincoln lies in his ability to allow the nation to mature and to grow under his Presidency into roughly the same contiguous nation that exists to this date. Abraham Lincoln, then, can truly be called a great leader and President.

9 Declaration of Independence. 4 July 1776.

Works Cited

Boritt, Gabor S. Lincoln, the War President: The Gettysburg Lectures. New York: Oxford UP, 1992.

Lincoln, Abraham. First Inaugural Address. 4 March 1861.

________. Gettysburg Address. 19 November 1863.

________. Second Inaugural Address. 4 March 1865.

United States Constitution. 17 September 1787.

Washington, George. Farewell Address. 1776.

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