Abraham Lincoln's Road to the Civil War: A Long and Tortuous Journey

Abraham Lincoln's road to the Civil War was a long and tortuous one, marked by political maneuvering, compromise, and ultimately, conflict. This article explores the key events and decisions that led Lincoln to the brink of war.

One Man Great Enough: Abraham Lincoln's Road to Civil War

by John C. Waugh

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11696 KB
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Early Life and Political Career

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky in 1809. He moved to Illinois as a young man and began his political career in the state legislature. In 1846, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for one term. Lincoln was a strong opponent of slavery, and he spoke out against its expansion into new territories.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Rise of Secession

In 1854, Congress passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed settlers in those territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This act overturned the Missouri Compromise, which had banned slavery north of the 36°30' parallel. The Kansas-Nebraska Act led to violence in Kansas, as pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces clashed.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act also helped to increase tensions between the North and the South. Southerners feared that the spread of slavery would be limited if new territories were closed to slavery. Northerners, on the other hand, were increasingly opposed to the expansion of slavery.

In 1860, Lincoln was elected president. His election was seen as a victory for the anti-slavery movement. Southern states responded to Lincoln's election by seceding from the Union. By the end of 1860, seven southern states had seceded, and the Civil War had begun.

The Civil War

The Civil War was a bloody and protracted conflict that lasted for four years. Lincoln's leadership during the war was crucial to the Union's victory. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which freed slaves in Confederate-held territory. He also oversaw the mobilization of the Union army and the prosecution of the war.

The Civil War ended with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in 1865. Lincoln was assassinated just weeks later by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer.

Lincoln's Legacy

Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the greatest presidents in American history. He is remembered for his leadership during the Civil War and for his efforts to preserve the Union. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was a landmark achievement in the fight for racial equality.

Lincoln's road to the Civil War was a long and tortuous one, but he ultimately succeeded in preserving the Union and ending slavery. He is a towering figure in American history, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.

One Man Great Enough: Abraham Lincoln's Road to Civil War

by John C. Waugh

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11696 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	503 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE