Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Abraham Lincoln and the obliging War - Essay ExampleThis has been an argument for the root cause of the Civil War by many. However, mellowed taxes alone were not enough of a catalyst to start a war. Others maintain that the reason was states decently, the right for states to own slaves. Free labor drove the Southern economy. Without sla very the white privileged would go stone-broke or worse, have to work themselves. Besides what to do with both the freed blacks? Southerners were not ready to have blacks as neighbors and were frightened of retribution. Poverty and fear are reasons to start a war. Abraham Lincolns Emancipation promulgation is remembered by history as an altruistic humanitarian effort but it was more a vivid simulated military operational move. History did get the importance aspect right, the slaves were freed, the union preserved and Lincoln the architect of it all during the most tumultuous time in American history. It was about slavery. Southern states thoug ht of Lincoln as an obscure and illiterate man whose opinions and purposes are hostile to slavery. (Ball, 2010). As each state reasonly leave the Union it cited slavery as the main reason for secession. Hard-line secessionists were rightfully bring overd that Lincolns election would result in the freeing of slaves. Known as Fire-eaters, they used shame and fear to convince wavering Southerners of their stance, that slave-owning states had no choice but to form their own country. Resistance or submission was the fire-eaters drum up cry. Southerners were implored to defend their rights. Those who resisted were publicly humiliated, branded as cowards. Events such as John dark-browns foray helped the fire-eaters to convince people to join their cause. Panicky white men joined vigilante crowds which targeted Northern sympathizers and origin slaves meaning, to them, any black person. (Barney, 2004). Prior to the start of the Civil War Kansas experienced the wrath of fire-eaters pa ramilitary terrorist groups when its citizens were decision making whether or not to become a slave state. They used intimidation as a tactic to get the desired results. In retribution for their reign of terror, John Brown led a group of men who killed five pro-slavery settlers then stole guns from the military at Harpers Ferry so to continue the fight but were stopped prior to committing more killings. Coincidentally, Brown and his followers were captured by future day commanding Confederate General Robert E. Lee who was leading a group of marines at the time. (KEDT, 1999). Unfortunately for Brown his actions ultimately led to his execution by hanging and generated greater support for the pro-slavery faction. Lincoln was an adamant believer in the idea of the U.S., in democracy and individual freedom. He wanted America to be the sheeny example for other nations to follow. He knew that if the country became divided it would be widely perceived that the grand examine of democra cy didnt work, a travesty on a worldwide, historic scale. Lincoln insisted that the unity of the nation must be maintained. If the nation breaks up, the democratic mission is dead. (Coker, 2013). As late as 1860 Lincoln state that blacks were entitled to some rights but not to vote or hold office. He had strongly suggested blacks be sent to live elsewhere, rounded up so to speak but with the War still very much anybodys to win and enthusiasm waning, Lincoln needed a new strategy. He added a new element to the struggle by proclaiming all slaves free in 1862. It was now auberge against society in addition to army against army, a battle of conscience fought alongside a battle of weapons the former Lincoln thought he was surer to win. He was never considered a military genius but present his