Lincoln's Presidency: A Comprehensive Study Guide

Lincoln's presidency is characterized as remarkable; he transcended the role of president and became an American icon.
Seen as a marble figure, martyr, and phenomenon.
Regarded as the father of a second American revolution.
Political legacy encapsulated in the idea of a united nation, with liberty and justice for all.
Important note: None of this was Lincoln's original intention.

Identification:
- Number: 16
- Political Affiliation: Republican
- Years in Office: 1861 to 1865
- Age at Inauguration: 52
- Home State: Illinois

Conservative perspective:
- Aimed to preserve and restore the Union as it was before the Southern states seceded.
- The events of the Civil War pushed Lincoln leftward toward a more radical and ultimately revolutionary position.
Clarification: Lincoln is not initially seen as the Great Emancipator; he grows into this role contrary to his original intent.

Public Perception: Lincoln was a polarizing figure; people either loved or hated him but could not ignore him.
Magnetic Personality:
- Attracted the youth, particularly young men active in politics who idolized him.
- Notable for his famous sense of humor and rich store of anecdotes and jokes suited for various occasions.
Complex Nature:
- Behind his humor, he was a deeply complex individual, often struggling with sadness and frustration.
- Known as "Honest Abe" due to a compulsion for seeking truth, a political marketing tool rather than a simple reflection of character.
- Nicknamed the "rail splitter," a branding strategy reflecting his working-class roots.

Enjoyed the practice of politics and excelled at it; ambitious since childhood.
Did not possess conventional good looks, but he used self-deprecating humor to charm others.
Comparison with John F. Kennedy: Like Kennedy, Lincoln formed a cabinet of intellectual equals, including political rivals.
Delegation Style: Judicious in delegating authority but reserved ultimate decisions for himself.

Context:
- Lincoln's election was a political disaster for the Southern slave power; initially aimed to prevent the expansion of slavery.
- Quote: "If I could save the union without freeing a single slave, I would do that."
Fort Sumter Incident:
- Upon taking office, Lincoln received a letter from Major Robert Anderson indicating the potential surrender of Fort Sumter.
- Choices:
- Surrender (not viable)
- Attack (too aggressive)
- Send provisions (chosen option for symbolic support of sovereignty).
- Jefferson Davis ordered an attack before the provisions arrived; the first shot of the Civil War was fired on 04/12/1861.
- The attack on Fort Sumter motivated four more states to join the Confederacy.

Initial Actions:
- Became Commander in Chief; lacked military expertise, learned military strategy through self-study.
- Became fascinated with modern warfare technologies.
Military Challenges:
- Lincoln faced issues with generals, particularly regarding emancipation actions in border states (Fremont's proclamation).
- Personal tragedy: Death of his 11-year-old son, Willie, in February 1862 led to profound melancholy and altered his emotional state.
Work Ethic:
- Worked tirelessly during the war, sometimes eighteen or more hours a day, including nights at the telegraph office.
Battle of Shiloh (April 1862):
- Significant Union victory but resulted in nearly 24,000 casualties.

Recognition that preserving the Union required a moral imperative: the abolition of slavery.
Emancipation Proclamation (09/22/1862):
- Shifted the war's goal from solely restoration of the Union to the end of slavery, interpreted as a second declaration of independence.
- Acknowledgement of the need to destroy the Old South's social and economic structure.

Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863):
- Climactic battle with high casualties; a pivotal moment in the war.
- Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg to commemorate the battlefield; his address redefined America’s commitment to equality and liberty.
Gettysburg Address:
- Lasted two minutes; reasserted the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
- Celebrated the sacrifice of soldiers while emphasizing the broader political mission of equality and democracy.

Election of 1864:
- Lincoln ran against former general George B. McClellan, who proposed negotiating peace with the Confederacy.
- Lincoln steadfastly refused to rescind the Emancipation Proclamation or negotiate an armistice.
Turning Point:
- Union victories, notably Sherman's burning of Atlanta, significantly bolstered Lincoln's chances.
- Lincoln won 56% of the vote in loyal states, indicating substantial public faith.
- Emotional toll from the war markedly aged Lincoln.

Second Inauguration (03/04/1865):
- Dramatized growth towards reconciliation and healing after years of war.
- Noted for compassion, pledging "malice toward none" and "charity for all."
End of the War:
- Lee's surrender (04/09/1865) marked near conclusion of the war.
- Lincoln advocated for healing and favorable terms for the South; first public mention of voting rights for African Americans.
Philosophical Reflections:
- Lincoln emphasized reliance on human judgment rather than the interpretation of divine will regarding the future of America.

On the night of 04/14/1865, Lincoln attended Ford's Theater; this was his last night alive.
Lincoln’s journey reflects his transformation from a conservative leader to an icon advocating for rights and unity in America, ultimately laying the groundwork for future American democracy.
Legacy: Lincoln's actions during his presidency have greatly influenced American values of democracy, equality, and the continuation of the debate on civil rights, ensuring a national spirit amidst diversity.