1. In what ways did Lincolns wife and family affect his presidency? Mrs. Lincoln seemed to teeter on two opposite sides of the spectrum when it came down to how she was affecting her husband’s presidency in my opinion. On one end, she seemed to be who he leaned on and confided in, which one would inference would alleviate some stress from him. But on the other, she seemed to be a big stressor of his due to a mixture of her mental state after losing their son Willie and the stresses of being first lady, and just her natural character. In one scene from the film, you see Mrs. Lincoln giving her husband advice towards the passing of the 13th amendment, and she tells him not to waste his time on a bill that would surely be shot down. I viewed this scene as her trying to help her husband (in her own way) but she was attempting to make sure his reputation and legacy as president was …show more content…
not thrown down the drain because he decided to pursue something he shouldn’t have. Mr. Lincolns son Robert was also an interesting character to me. Robert seemed to be a lot like his dad in the sense he was headstrong, and when he wanted something he wanted it with conviction. Robert definitely upset his father when he said he wanted to join the service to fight for what he believed in, and ultimately was told no by Abe. Robert wanting to join the service turned into a battle of sorts between his parents, and when it came about that he was going to enlist, Mary told Abe that if something happened to Robert she would never forgive him. But I believe that Robert enlisting, made Lincoln push much harder to get the bill passed, as Mrs. Lincoln told him at the theatre that the only way they could reconcile, was if he got the 13th amendment to pass because that would “end the war” and bring their son home. In the film, there is a scene where Robert confronts his father after accompanying him to visit wounded soldiers, and informs him with all confidence that he will be joining the service, and he had to do so or he would never forgive himself. You see the conversation between the two get heavy after Abe forbade him from going, and ultimately struck Robert in the face. You hear Abe whisper “I can’t lose you” as the scene ends and Robert has walked away, I tied that to the grief he held from losing Willie, and the despair the thought of losing Robert too brought. Which was interesting, since Mary said Abe blamed Robert for being born as if he disliked him, and since he wasn’t as close to Robert as he was his other two sons, it was nice to see the care from Abe for Robert. The scene following this one is the above stated in which Abe and Mary fight over Abe finally allowing Robert to enlist. 2. How would you characterize Mary Todd Lincoln? Mrs.
Lincoln was very intriguing to me. Initially she comes off strong and even controlling in some ways of her husband but also in general. She always makes sure she strongly represents the president in public, regardless of what she may be going through mentally. She is a very family oriented woman, and her children along with her husband seem to be her purpose and most important to her. I would call her the backbone of the Lincoln home and as her character develops, you see Mrs. Lincoln start to break down. The scene where Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln are discussing Robert enlisting, you see that Mrs. Lincoln is well beyond depressed. She mentions she would never forgive Abe, and he eventually tells her he should have admitted her to the mental hospital, and she even tells him he blames Robert for being born, and trapping him in a marriage he didn’t want to be in. You see a very vulnerable, broken, unstable first lady. Then there is a scene in Willies room, where Mr. Lincoln finds his wife sitting alone, and they begin to discuss her sorrows and you get even more light into her guilt and
misery. In my opinion, coupled with what I heard previously of Mrs. Lincoln I was shocked to see the despair that she actually endured and I thought so much of her after watching this movie and although I didn’t know her, I look up to her. No matter what she was faced with, she still got up the next morning and handled everything for herself personally, and then everything she possibly could for her husband and children, no matter the circumstance. Anyone who can put aside their own grief to take care of other people is admirable. I am going through a tough time right now, and she really helped motivate me. You were also able to witness her fast wit, and strength in a different form showing she would not be pushed around in the scene at the Grand Reception, where she held her ground in a heated conversation with Mr. Stevens. 3. What did Thaddeus Stevens originally want passed? What was the compromise? Why did he compromise? Thaddeus Stevens believed in, and wanted to pass a bill for racial equality, not legal equality. He felt that ALL people deserved the same rights no matter the circumstance. After immense pressure from some of his fellow voters, he ended up compromising for legal equality instead of racial equality in the end, because he knew that there was no way that the 13th amendment would pass otherwise. When he was confronted after his vote, by someone claiming they were ashamed he didn’t stand up for what he originally wanted Thaddeus claimed he “wanted the constitutions only mention of slavery is its absolute prohibition.” As he is walking out of the court after voting, he asks if he can take the bill and return it tomorrow. We watch him go home, and hand the bill to an African American woman who just looks like his maid at the moment and says “a gift for you” and the scene switches to show the two sitting in bed together and you realize the woman he loved (I am assuming whom he considered his wife) was African American(I cried)! I believe this is the true fire behind his passion for the cause, and the true reason he decided to compromise. 4. How was Lincolns leadership in the passage of the civil rights amendment portrayed in the film? I feel the film did a wonderful job in highlighting Lincolns unorthodox, risk-taking, caring, and history altering leadership. I would honestly call Lincolns approach the model form of leadership. He was a master communicator, just as good of a listener, whom listened to learn not just to hear. He knew how he wanted things to be for the United States, and he was willing to do whatever it took, and step on whoever’s toes it took to accomplish it. The scene at the cabinet table, where Lincoln explains his war power rights after John Usher voiced his aggressive objections to the proposed 13th amendment was powerful to me. He made a large number of decisions on issues of great importance like war related emancipations for example, that could have been very risky to his presidential status individually, let alone grouped together. But he kept his vision in mind, and had no fear of the repercussions, no matter how devastating they could have been. Another scene from the film that exemplifies this, is when Lincoln sends his response to the motion from the House of Representatives and simply stated that to his knowledge, there were no confederate peace messengers in the city. Democrats called it a lawyers dodge, but it was clever enough for the republicans to accept and move forward. I also feel that the scenes in which he speaks to Elizabeth, Democratic congressman Hutton, and even the confederate messengers all show that regardless of how he feels, he was willing to sit and listen in person to the viewpoints and requests of civilians, fellow colleagues and even potential enemies or opposition, without bias before he formulated his responses. To me, this rings true to an amazing leader. 5. What does the textbook state about inherent power of the president? And why was it meaningful for the Lincoln presidency, and for future presidents? Inherent powers are not detailed in the Constitution, nor in the law. These powers are usually used in states of emergency, or times of war although not all presidents have used them. In my opinion, these powers were pivotal in the success of the Lincoln presidency. Lincoln used these powers to do a number of things for example, he created a volunteer force to aid after the breakout of the civil war, he conducted war related emancipations of slaves, ordered a blockade of southern ports, and ordered arrests by military police of people he thought committed treason, or even just discussed it. All of the above mentioned were accomplished during the civil war. That was just to name a few instances, but it was definitely clear he was not afraid to exercise his inherent powers if he felt it was for the greater good even if that meant without consulting Congress, so he didn’t. Although he did inform them at a later meeting and congress ended up making his actions legal. Lincoln has paved the way for presidents in his following in many forms, and although he never chalked up what he did to “inherent powers”, many presidents after him have used his actions as justification for their own use of them.
This book was very vivid in detail and is a great educational tool if you would like to learn more about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. In my opinion, the flow was very inconsistent. In my opinion some parts where boring, but some parts kept me on the edge of my seat. The only commentary I would have for the characters in “Chasing Lincoln’s Killer” would be to the two men who just hid in the town. John Wilkes Booth and David Herold had honestly the best shot to survive by running into the countryside. I believe that this book is not for everyone, but I think this book is great for avid biography or American history book readers like myself. I love Abraham Lincoln’s story so this was an easy read, so I believe if your liking is similar to mine, you should honestly check this book out. Detail that helped me understand the book better was that John Wilkes Booth was an actor, and he has preformed at Ford’s theatre, and on his day off is when the assassination took place. In conclusion, I do not believe this book is for everyone, but if you like to dig deep into American culture, check out “Chasing Lincoln’s Killer” because Abraham Lincoln’s assassination was a pivotal component to not only the civil war, but to American
leading up to and surrounding President Abraham Lincoln’s death. The purpose of this book is to
Williams portrays Lincoln in a very positive light, allowing the reader to realize the greatness of Lincoln, in his compassion, strategy, statesmanship and lack of ego. Williams has provided numerous instances wherein he provides ample support to his arguments and facts. In spite of the unnecessary detail and verbosity that Williams sometimes uses, there is no doubt that this book is a remarkable insight into Lincoln’s persona.
This speech has been much debated and scrutinized by historians, they have come to the conclusion that they see broad implications for later public policies. Lincoln wanted to build a strong political system. He was a great supporter of equal rights, he wanted women's rights when nobody else did. He wanted to abolish slavery before other people took up the cause. People claim that the Lyceum Address gives a full insight into his
“The greatest measure of the 19th century was passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in the world.” This quote, by Thaddeus Stevens, served to announce the corruption and dismay found within the presidency of Lincoln, as he attempted to pass the infamous 13th amendment. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States of America, set forth ideas that were unknown at the time. As a major opponent of slavery towards the end of his term, Lincoln voiced his plans to abolish slavery, along with ending the Civil War. Although these plans seemed far-fetched at the time, Lincoln used his power and popularity to achieve both goals, paving the way for equality throughout the States. Despite the fact that the Civil War began merely as a fight to preserve the union, Lincoln soon
The 1864 presidential election was one of the important elections in the American History. In the middle of a devastating civil war, the United States had held its presidential election almost without discussing any alternative (American President: A Reference Resource). None of the other Democratic nations had ever conducted a national election during the time of war. While there was still talk going in postponing the election. That was when Lincoln pointed out that America needs a free government and without conducting the election we have ruined ourselves (Boller P.115). So, before even the year had ended United States had gone forward with its voting just as in peacetime.
An important aspect of Abraham Lincoln’s overall performance is his personal and political background. Concerning his opinions on slavery, his personal background shaped his ideals in a very unique way. James McPherson, author of the short biography Abraham Lincoln, provides some insight into Lincoln’s background, writing that Lincoln’s fathe...
David Herbert Donald's Lincoln is a biography of our sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln. At the age of twenty one, he was sure he did not want to be like his father Thomas Lincoln, an uneducated farmer, so he left his fathers house permanently. He had many jobs, learned many lessons, and made both friends and enemies, all which helped him to become one of the greatest presidents of the United States of America during the time the country had split, the Civil War. Thoroughly researched and excellently written, this biography comes alive and shows us what really happened during the early to mid-nineteenth century and it still puts us in the point of view of our former president, using the information and ideas available to him.
One of Lincoln’s most famous quotes is “A House divided against itself cannot stand.” This describes his presidency well- focusing on maintaining the Union. In the beginning, Lincoln tried to stay out of sensitive affairs involving the North and South in an attempt to keep them together, promising the South little interference. Despite this, he played a key role in passing the Thirteenth Amendment, doing whatever it takes to end slavery for good and ending the Civil War.
People in the south looked down upon Lincoln, can you only imagine what that feels like to have people, the very people you are sworn to take an oath to protect and to show guidance to them? Then on top of that there being a war fought and you being one of the main contributing factors to why this civil war is being fought in your country. I'm sure that affected him and if you, yourself truly think about it, he did an amazing job at not showing the effect it was and that it took on him because no matter who it is, there was a bloody war and Lincoln was the figure that many people in torn America sought to for guidance and answers during this bloody time in American
...rried.Mary Todd Lincoln had an extremely difficult life. The challenges she faced from growing up in a dysfunctional Southern family affected many areas of her life. Marrying Abraham Lincoln made problems for her as well as the demands placed on both of them when he became President. ?As a Southern woman in the White House during the Civil War Mary was disliked by many and often criticized? (Turner 78).
... across the world. But to those who knew him, he was more then just a president. In addition to being a man who made revolutionary changes to our nation, he was also a devoted husband and father to his four sons. Despite his intimidating 6'4" figure, he was a kind, warm-hearted man, who actually cared about the common people. His family and friends had a substantial influence on him and they played an extremely important role in his life. They supported him in whatever he set his mind to and they kept him sane when he felt like he was about ready to breakdown during difficult times. There is more to Lincoln than most people could ever imagine, and his personal life could never be complete without his family. Lincoln had a very intimate relationship with his wife Mary Todd, and he showed endless love and affection to his children. Abraham Lincoln was a true family man.
There is no doubt that Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the great American presidents. The general public, when asked about Lincoln, will often tell the tale of a great man. Holding their head high, they will embark on the journey of a benevolent leader, praising the man who envisioned a new America: a great country of racial equality, and the pillar of human liberty. There are some, however, who have quite the opposite view.
The movie Lincoln focuses on the four months of Abraham Lincoln's life before his death. Lincoln starts in January 1865. In the movie, Lincoln is afraid the Emancipation Proclamation will be denied by Congress once the Civil War ends. Lincoln also fears the Thirteenth Amendment will not be passed once the southern states are reunited with the northern states. The Thirteenth Amendment concerns the freeing of slaves. Lincoln has to get some Democrats on board with the Thirteenth Amendment if Lincoln wants the Thirteen Amendment passed. Since the Civil War is projected to end in less than a month, Lincoln had to get to work. Lincoln's advisers advise him to wait until the new Congress is in place. However, Lincoln is firm in his belief of the Thirteenth Amendment needing to be passed immediately. Lincoln goes to the head Republican, Francis Preston Blair, to use Blair's influence to get all the Republican vote. Blair tells Lincoln that in order for Blair to endorse the Thirteenth Amendment, Blair must go and seek peace with the South. Blair's request is frustrating to Lincoln, as the Radical Republicans Lincoln got votes from are extremely against a negotiated peace that allows slavery. However, Lincoln needs Blair's vote, so Lincoln allows Blair to go make peace with the Confederates. Next, Lincoln focuses on the “lame duck” Democrats' vote. Lincoln believes since the Democrats lost the re-election, the Democrats will not be aiming to please the public and will vote the way they so choose. Lincoln cannot give the Democrats bribes, so Lincoln has individuals go and discreetly offer the Democrats federal jobs in return for their vote.
Little do most people know, our sixteenth President Abraham Lincoln, suffered from a depression also known as Melancholy. Lincoln was, considered by most, one of our greatest Presidents. As a U.S. president, Lincoln had many great accomplishments. For example he had a vital role in preserving the Union during the Civil War, he ended slavery, had good speeches and letters and was very humble. On the outside “Honest Abe” was a strong, intelligent man. On the inside, he was falling apart. Few people these days and in this century know of Lincoln’s condition while he was in office. Oddly though, Lincoln was very open about his depression while running for office. Because the public knew about his condition, many people wonder if it had any effect on the peoples voting preference. He won the election so apparently the people didn’t care. Some people became curious of Lincoln’s case and if depression ran in his family or if it was just something that came up. Abraham Lincoln’s