Critical Analysis Of Abraham Lincoln During The Civil War

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It is widely known that Abraham Lincoln, since his childhood, was never a fan of the south. Additionally, his father was a devout Christian, which played a major role in the development of Lincoln’s moral and ethical beliefs, which manifested themselves more so later on his life and would play a major part in Lincoln’s agenda during the Civil War. The idea that Lincoln may or may not have overstepped his powers during the process of preserving the unity of the United States will be looked at closely in the following paragraphs. This critical analysis will look at various sources with differing views in order to establish a solid conclusion as to why Lincoln was justified in the actions he took as President during the Civil War. Further, it …show more content…

While slavery wasn’t the primary cause of the Civil War, it can be considered to be the main cause, as apart from the Revenue Act, states’ rights were directly related to the Emancipation Proclamation and the public outcry it generated in the South. According to Lincoln, “.…slavery could destroy the nation. A house divided against itself cannot stand." Additionally, he believed “this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free" (Grabowski and Schlesinger 1). Thus, Lincoln signed the Revenue Act, which would ultimately help to provide additional funding for the Civil War, and would be the first federal income-tax in …show more content…

What is called "the right of secession" has no existence. It means the right of revolution, which belongs to every people....If the revolution succeeds, history justifies them; if they fail, it condemns them, even while not condemning their motives of action....If South Carolina should rebel,--and secession is rebellion,--and if other states should join her, it would be the duty of the general government to compel them to observe the law....” ("Secession and the Civil War"). As history has shown us time and time again, Presidents take executive action when they feel it is necessary to maintain order. Lincoln rightfully felt it was more important that the Union remain intact and the Constitution upheld, than it was to honor religious views, slave labor and taxation disagreements, which are some of the fundamental reasons cited for the Confederates rebellion. If Lincoln did not defend the Constitution, it would essentially be worthless pieces of paper, and the integrity and law that it was designed to protect would be

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