Lincoln and the politics of slavery
By Crofts, Daniel W
Book

Lincoln and the politics of slavery :the other Thirteenth Amendment and the struggle to save the union

by
Crofts, Daniel W. author.
Format
Book
Language
English (English)
Series
Civil War America
Civil War America (Series)
Subjects
Lincoln, Abraham,1809-1865Political and social views.(DLC)sh85077112
United States.Constitution.13th AmendmentHistory.(WiMaSCL)4716766
Show 2 more
Publisher and Date
Chapel Hill :The University of North Carolina Press,[2016]
©2016
ISBN
9781469627311.
;
1469627310.
Library of Congress Call Number
E457.2.C935 2016
Geographic Area Code
n-us---
Description
356 pages :illustrations ;25 cm.
Contents (as listed on item)
Show
System Control Number
(OCoLC)919068308
SummaryIn this landmark book, Daniel Crofts examines a little-known episode in the most celebrated aspect of Abraham Lincoln's life: his role as the "Great Emancipator." Lincoln always hated slavery, but he also believed it to be legal where it already existed, and he never imagined fighting a war to end it. In 1861, as part of a last-ditch effort to preserve the Union and prevent war, the new president even offered to accept a constitutional amendment that barred Congress from interfering with slavery in the slave states. Lincoln made this key overture in his first inaugural address. Crofts unearths the hidden history and political maneuvering behind the stillborn attempt to enact this amendment, the polar opposite of the actual Thirteenth Amendment of 1865 that ended slavery. This compelling book sheds light on an overlooked element of Lincoln's statecraft and presents a relentlessly honest portrayal of America's most admired president. Crofts rejects the view advanced by some Lincoln scholars that the wartime momentum toward emancipation originated well before the first shots were fired. Lincoln did indeed become the "Great Emancipator," but he had no such intention when he first took office. Only amid the crucible of combat did the war to save the Union become a war for freedom.
Alternative TitleOther Thirteenth Amendment and the struggle to save the union
Alternative TitleOther 13th Amendment and the struggle to save the union
Copies: 2 of 2 copies available
Available copies: Madison PL-Central, 2nd Floor: 973.7092 L638cr Dane County Library Service-Bookmobile, Bookmobile: 973.7092 CRO