Abraham Lincoln’s Presidency Essay - 2162 Words

Abraham Lincoln is a hero to all Americans for he preserved our Union and abolished slavery. Lincoln combined the forces of strength, courage, will, and morality to guide America through a time marked by complete social upheaval and Civil War. Lincoln entered the White House burdened by an oppressive set of domestic issues; the most pressing was the rift between the North and South. Before Lincoln’s inauguration, the Union was dissolving, and he was left with only one choice, to preserve America and to make war against the South. On a scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, Lincoln and his administration would rank as an eight. Lincoln’s presidency was unique, for it was the only one that endured a Civil War that tore and†¦show more content†¦As Doris Kearns Goodwin so aptly says in her Pulitzer Prize winning book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln chose deep political rivals such as Salmon P. Chase, William H. Seward, and Edwa rd Bates, for the cabinet positions of Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of War, and Attorney General, respectively (Goodwin). All of these men ran against Lincoln in the 1860 Republican Party Presidential primary, and berated Lincoln with political and personal attacks. They strongly disagreed with his approaches to many integral issues, yet Lincoln appointed them all due to their political genius and their intense loyalty to the Union. Throughout his administration, Lincoln sought advice on a wide variety of matters, where his cabinet had opinions that dissented from his own. For example, the eventual acquisition of Alaska through the proposal by William H. Seward was only possible under President Johnson because of Lincoln’s strong objections to the plan. Lincoln greatly respected the opinions of his cabinet members and chose them because of their intelligent opposition to his views. Lincoln’s first challenge was to rebuke the South Carolina Ordinances for Secess ion; he effectively accomplished this. South Carolina claimed that the American government was acting as a destructive agency, which gave the people the right to change or eliminate it and create a new government. The secessionist fire-eaters of South CarolinaShow MoreRelatedAbraham Lincolns Accomplishments During his Presidency Essays532 Words   |  3 Pages Today our nations built upon equality and the idea that every man is created equal. Abe Lincoln helped establish equality and the mindset that comes with these beliefs were introduced to early americans from Abraham Lincoln. He helped abolish slavery and introduce a new era and shape america how it is today. Not only is he one of the most prominent leaders of the Civil War but an early influence and catalyst on the later Civil Rights Movement. Abe Lincoln accomplished many things during the civilRead MoreAbraham Lincoln and the Fourth Estate: The White House and the Press During the American Civil War by Richard Carwardine565 Words   |  3 PagesIn â€Å"Abraham Lincoln and the Fourth Estate: The White House and the Press during the American Civil War† Richard Carwardine discusses the incredible increase in the Press’ contribution to the American Civil War. Carwardine explains Abraham Lincoln’s role with the media and his use of newspapers as political weaponry from before the election and into his presidency. This topic is significant because it illustrates Abraham Lincoln’s intelligence and strengths as a president during the Civil War. 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Through a series of both positive and negative events, his life was greatly influenced and shaped by his particular beliefs that would eventually deliver him to his election to the United States presidency in 1860. Perhaps Lincoln s greatest view on a particular belief was that of the issue of slavery. His father, Thomas Lincoln, moved the family from their home in KentuckyRead MoreThe Legacy Of Abraham Lincoln1117 Words   |  5 Pagesthat were integral for positive change for the nation. There is one significant President, often seen as the greatest political figure that served during the time of the Civil War. The sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln, administered in the oval office during this time of chaos. Lincoln’s presidency revolved around many issues that were tearing the nation apart. His duty was to ease tension with regards to slavery and emancipation, cease secession, and preserve the Union. Lincoln is best known for