Lincoln vs. Davis

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Lincoln vs. Davis

Charles Beard, a noted historian said that the American Civil War was a conflict between industry and agriculture.

Alexander Stephens, a southern statesman said that the war was about states rights.

Horace Greeley, a northern newspaper man, and prominent abolitionist claimed the war was fought over the issue of slavery.

Abraham Lincoln said it was a struggle "testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated can long endure."

Lincoln said his paramount object was to save the Union, and if he could accomplish that by not freeing any slaves, he would free none; "if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union."

What would have happened if Davis would have said that his paramount object was to save the Confederacy, and if he could accomplish that by not freeing any slaves, he would free none; if he could save it by freeing all the slaves he would do it; and if he could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone he would also do that. What if he would have taken the attitude that what he did about slavery and the colored race would be done to help save the Confederacy?

Jefferson Davis was profoundly dedicated to the cause that he led. Many prominent Southerners, including Robert E. Lee, were troubled in conscience by slavery. Davis never manifested any qualms about either slavery or secession. His support of state sovereignty and the Southern way of life was based on deep conviction.

When Lincoln composed the Getty...

... middle of paper ...

... America could compare with him in political maneuvering. He took on the best both the Democrats and the Republicans had to offer as well as the problems of the Rebels from the South...and foreign diplomats. He handled each carefully and with great distinction. To the Democrats and Republicans his nature produced a policy which essentially stated that if you couldn't be a part of the team...you went to jail...thus you were no longer a problem. He used slavery to win public appeal in England and France...and to win a war.

It has been said by many well-known historians and military experts that by the second week of July of 1863 the South had only one real chance of winning the war. That chance was the assassination of President Lincoln. This may be true and it may not, but what if?

Bibliography:

Encarta 98; Volume C

L.E.P Text book; Chapter 18

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