User:North Shoreman/Sandbox3
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This article details Abraham Lincoln's actions during the American Civil War. Lincoln, despite being little prepared for it by prior military experience, was first and foremost a war president. The nation was at peace for less than six weeks of his presidency and his was the only presidency that was entirely “ bounded by the parameters of war.”[1] Lincoln was called on to handle both the political and military aspects of the war, and his leadership has to be evaluated based on his ability to balance these inseparable parts of the Union’s efforts. He was a successful war president to the extent that he was able to control the revolutionary forces unleashed by his election and Southern secession, maintain the democratic principles that were the bedrock of the nation, and achieve a military victory.[2] His assassination near the end of the war left the final challenge of reconstructing the nation to others, but Lincoln as early as 1863 established principles that he felt should shape this process.[3]
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Presidency of Abraham Lincoln | |
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16th President of the United States | |
In office March 4, 1861 – April 15, 1865 | |
Vice President | Hannibal Hamlin (1861 – 1865) Andrew Johnson (1865) |
Preceded by | James Buchanan |
Succeeded by | Andrew Johnson |
Personal details | |
Born | (1809-02-12)February 12, 1809 |
Died | April 15, 1865(1865-04-15) (aged 56) |
Nationality | American |
Political party | Republican (1854-1864), National Union (1864-1865) |
Signature | |
Lincoln ran on a political platform opposing the policies of the Pierce and Buchanan administrations that would have preserved slavery for the foreseeable future. While acknowledging that only a state could outlaw slavery within its own borders, the Republican insistence on keeping slavery out of all territories would ultimately lead to the end of slavery in the entire nation since, in the minds of both most Northerners and most Southerners, the survival of slavery depended on its ability to expand.[4] By his nature, Lincoln was open to political compromises, but, from his election to his assumption of office, he led his party in standing firm against any compromise on the territorial issues. After being sworn in as President he likewise refused to accept any resolution that would accept Southern secession from the Union.
After considering the ramifications and consulting with army and navy advisors, his cabinet, and some congressmen, Lincoln made the decision to reinforce rather than abandon Fort Sumter, leading to the bombardment that began the war. Throughout 1861 and 1862 Lincoln struggled in his efforts to find competent military leaders, determine military policy, balance the demands of radicals and conservatives over slavery and military issues, deal with foreign affairs, and finance the war.