Lincoln and the Civil War / Michael Burlingame.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Burlingame, Michael, 1941-

Series:

Concise Lincoln library.

Concise Lincoln library

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865.

Lincoln, Abraham.

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865--Military leadership.

Presidents--United States--Biography.

Presidents.

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

United States.

United States--Politics and government--1861-1865.

Physical Description:

165 p.

Place of Publication:

Carbondale : Southern Illinois University Press, 2011.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In "Lincoln and the Civil War," Michael Burlingame explores the experiences and qualities that made Abraham Lincoln one of AmericaOCOs most revered leaders. This volume provides an illuminating overview of the entirety of the Civil War and LincolnOCOs administration, focusing on the ways in which LincolnOCOs unique combination of psychological maturity, steely determination, and political wisdom made him the NorthOCOs secret weapon that ultimately led to supremacy over the Confederacy.a When war erupted in 1861, the NorthOCodespite its superior economic resources and manpowerOCowas considered the underdog of the conflict. The need to invade the South brought no advantage to the inefficient, poorly led Union Army. In contrast, SouthernersOCO knowledge of their home terrain, access to railroads, familiarity with firearms, and outdoor lifestyles, along with the presumed support of foreign nations, made victory over the North seem a likely outcome. In the face of such daunting obstacles, only one person could unite disparate Northerners and rally them to victory in the darkest moments of the war: Abraham Lincoln.a While Lincoln is often remembered today as one of AmericaOCOs wisest presidents, he was not always considered so sage. Burlingame demonstrates how, long before the rigors of his presidency and the Civil War began to affect him, Lincoln wrestled with the demons of midlife to ultimately emerge as arguably the most self-aware, humble, and confident leader in American history. This metamorphosis from sarcastic young politician to profound statesman uniquely prepared him for the selfless dedication the war years would demand. Whereas his counterpart, Jefferson Davis, became mired in personal power plays, perceived slights, and dramas, Lincoln rose above personal concerns to always place the preservation of the Union first. LincolnOCOs ability, along with his eloquence, political savvy, and grasp of military strategy made him a formidable leader whose honesty and wisdom inspired undying loyalty.a In addition to offering fresh perspectives on LincolnOCOs complex personality and on the other luminaries of his administration, "Lincoln and the Civil War" takes readers on a brief but thorough tour of the war itself, from the motivations and events leading to Southern secession and the first shots at Fort Sumter to plans for Reconstruction and LincolnOCOs tragic assassination. Throughout the journey, Burlingame demonstrates how LincolnOCOs steady hand at the helm navigated the Union through the most perilous events of the war and held together the pieces of an unraveling nation."

Contents:

The election of 1860 and southern secession

From election to inauguration

The Fort Sumter crisis

The war begins

Stalemate

War in earnest

Dealing with slavery

Winter of discontent

The tide turns

Reelection

Endgame.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786613674258

1-280-69729-6

OCLC:

775360896