CivW09- Beschloss Lincoln Presidents of War

Chapter Seven: Blood Flowing All About Me

Lincoln Under Siege

Time Period: Early 1862.

Context

Lincoln faced mounting criticism from Congress regarding the Union's military ineffectiveness against the Confederacy. The recent defeat at the Battle of Ball's Bluff heightened tensions, culminating in questions about the Union's strategy and leadership. This atmosphere of discontent was compounded by escalating internal strife between the executive branch and Congress, particularly from Radical Republicans.

Personal Loss

The emotional toll of the war was strikingly personal for Lincoln. The death of Senator Edward Baker, one of Lincoln’s close friends, deeply affected him. During Baker’s funeral, Lincoln’s visible grief illustrated the weight of his personal connections and the profound sorrow he felt amidst the national tragedy of war. This loss, coupled with the grim realities of the battlefield, intensified Lincoln's existing anguish about the war's impact on both the nation and his relationships.

Political Tensions

  • Criticism from Radical Republicans: Senators Benjamin Wade and Zachariah Chandler were particularly vocal, expressing their frustrations with Lincoln's reluctance to confront the issue of slavery directly and the lack of decisive military action. Wade considered Lincoln impressionable, criticizing him for his perceived unassertiveness, while Chandler voiced disbelief at Union officers who were sympathetic to Confederate causes, demanding accountability for their lack of aggression.

  • General Fremont’s Dismissal: Lincoln's decision to fire General John C. Fremont, who had issued an emancipation edict, sparked outrage among Radical Republicans who believed that a more direct response to slavery was necessary. This dismissal highlighted the deep divide between Lincoln and those advocating for a more aggressive approach to both the war and abolition.

Lincoln's Response to Criticism

  • Self-Study: In a bid to address his military shortcomings, Lincoln took it upon himself to study military history. This self-education was aimed at better informing his decisions, recognizing that the complexities of leadership in warfare required a stronger understanding of military strategy.

  • Consultation with Senators: Although encouraged by Radical Republicans to take more aggressive military action, Lincoln remained cautious. He weighed their recommendations against the realities of the situation, demonstrating his characteristic deliberative style.

  • Appointment of McClellan: After accepting General Winfield Scott's resignation due to health issues, Lincoln appointed General George McClellan. McClellan’s primarily hesitant military strategy generated concern, as he often prioritized caution over bold military maneuvers, leading many to question his effectiveness.

Congressional Actions and Military Investigations

  • Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War: This committee was established by Congress to investigate military failures and seek accountability, with Wade acting as a leading figure. It aimed to address the growing frustrations among lawmakers regarding the military's performance and the lack of transparency in military leadership.

  • Political Dynamics: Continued military inadequacies led to faltering relations between Congress and Lincoln, with increasing calls for accountability regarding military decisions and strategies. This period marked a significant power struggle between civilian leadership and military command.

McClellan's Leadership

  • General McClellan’s Approach: McClellan was viewed as egotistical and often dismissed Lincoln's input, refusing to take decisive actions on the battlefield. He emphasized humane treatment of prisoners and favored limited warfare, suggesting a contentious relationship with Lincoln who pushed for more aggressive actions. McClellan seemed to view the war's primary purpose as political preservation, often sidelining the moral imperative of addressing slavery.

  • Lincoln’s Dilemma: Facing pressure from both Congress and the public for a more robust military response, Lincoln wrestled with decision-making. He ultimately deferred to McClellan’s leadership, feeling inadequate in military matters, which added to his internal conflict and frustration.

Tragedy and the War's Emotional Toll

  • Personal Loss: In February 1862, Lincoln suffered the devastating loss of his eleven-year-old son, Willie. This tragedy compounded his grief, affecting both him and Mary. The family experienced immense sorrow during a tumultuous wartime period, which further strained their marriage and deepened Lincoln's emotional struggle.

  • Military Committee Pressure: The Joint Committee’s renewed pressure on the military for action exacerbated tensions between military leaders and the administration, creating an environment ripe for criticism and dissent.

Military Stalemate and Lincoln's Determination

  • McClellan's Reluctance: Congressional pressure and public demand for action mounted, but McClellan’s continued hesitance fueled frustrations among Union lawmakers. Lincoln, determined to advocate for a more vigorous warfare strategy, faced ongoing military setbacks that tested his resolve.

Shifting Strategies and Emancipation

  • Emancipation Proclamation Discussions: As Union military outcomes worsened, discussions regarding a broader approach towards emancipation grew within Lincoln’s Cabinet. Lincoln recognized the strategic need for a public show of commitment to emancipation to regain the support of soldiers and civilians alike.

  • Proactive Measures: In private, Lincoln articulated that the conflict needed to transition towards liberation—not only to preserve the Union but to fulfill a moral imperative for freedom. This shift would eventually become a cornerstone of his legacy.

Midterm Elections and Political Strife

  • 1862 Midterm Elections: Lincoln faced significant political challenges as Democrats gained traction due to growing public dissatisfaction with his handling of the war. The election results represented a crucial referendum on Lincoln's presidency and policies.

  • Suspension of Civil Liberties: The administration's wartime measures, including controversial arrests without due process, incited considerable dissent and intensified challenges within Congress.

Lincoln's Vision for Reconstruction

  • Reconstruction Proposals: In anticipating the war's conclusion, Lincoln advocated for a lenient approach to reconstruction aimed at promoting Southern reconciliation. He sought to avoid punitive measures against former Confederates to facilitate healing and restoration of the nation.

  • Recognition of Changes: Although he could not foresee the day of the war's end, Lincoln maintained hope for unification and rebuilding a fractured country.

Lincoln's Assassination and Legacy

  • Tragic End: On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth shortly after a momentous celebration of military successes against the Confederacy. His assassination marked a pivotal and tragic end to his tireless efforts.

  • Transition of Power: Following Lincoln's death, Andrew Johnson assumed the presidency. Johnson's approaches diverged sharply from Lincoln’s vision for Reconstruction, complicating national healing and development in the post-war landscape.