Lincoln's Role in the Slavery Debate During the Civil War

On this landmark e-book, Daniel Crofts examines a little-known episode in essentially the most celebrated side of Abraham Lincoln’s life: his function because the Nice Emancipator. Lincoln at all times hated slavery, however he additionally believed it to be authorized the place it already existed, and he by no means imagined combating a warfare to finish it. In 1861, as a part of a last-ditch effort to protect the Union and stop warfare, the brand new president even supplied to just accept a constitutional modification that barred Congress from interfering with slavery within the slave states. Lincoln made this key overture in his first inaugural deal with.

In his insightful book, Crofts delves into the hidden historical past and political maneuvering surrounding an unsuccessful attempt to enact a significant modification. This modification stands in stark contrast to the Thirteenth Amendment of 1865 that abolished slavery. The book shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of Lincoln's leadership and provides a candid portrayal of America's revered president. Contrary to some Lincoln scholars, Crofts disputes the notion that the push for emancipation began before the outbreak of the Civil War. While Lincoln eventually earned the title of the Great Emancipator, his initial intention upon taking office did not include this goal. It was only through the tumultuous wartime period that the focus shifted from preserving the Union to fighting for freedom.