Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution, Essay Example

Describe how the American Civil War was a revolutionary experience. What were the three most important revolutions that the country went through as a result of this war?

A civil war is  between citizens, whereas a revolutionary one is against the government.  American support for the preservation of the union and abolishment slavery.  The three most important revolutionary aspects resulted from the Civil War were: [1] abolishment slavery [2] the preservation of the union and [3] the strengthening of central government. Black citizens freed slaves, entered politics and sought civil rights ( 1866 Civil Rights Act, 1875 Civil Rights Act).

Describe and analyze Lincoln’s label as a “conservative revolutionary.”

It was the Gettysburg address in 1864 when Pres. Lincoln spoke of the nation invoking into identity of freedom in the nation, which marked him as a conservative revolutionary.  It was the transition from referring his speeches from purely that of the union to that of nationhood.

What is ‘negative liberty’? What are some examples of ‘negative liberty?’

The concept of negative liberty relates to an individual’s right to freedom, free from interference by other people.  Negative liberty has been the find as a ‘zone of freedom’  in the silence of the law.  Examples of negative liberty include that of:  Thomas Hobbes whereby he outlines  ‘ a commonwealth based upon a monarchy to whom citizens have ceded their rights. The monarchy provides for its subjects, and its subjects go about their day-to-day lives without interaction with the government’.  Both Locke and Hobbes stated ‘ a line must be drawn and a space sharply delineated where each individual can act unhindered according to their tastes, desires, and inclinations.’

What is ‘positive liberty’? What are some examples of ‘positive liberty?’

Positive liberty relates to that of the individual’s  ability to fulfill  your own potential.  This formed the concept of liberalism in the United States.  It was Isaiah Berlin who stated that positive liberty is interested in action by citizens of the government.  Berlin thought that such positive liberty resulted in  abuse of power.  An example of this in action might be that of the Iraqi elections and ex-patriots, living in Syria, who were allowed to participate in the Iraqi vote.  Whereas Syrians on denied, these rights in their own country.

To which concept of liberty did Lincoln contribute?

President Lincoln believed in a free republic.  He believed in the right of freedom for all men.  Essentially a government of the quality.  Liberty was the cornerstone of the Republic and enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.  Lincoln was viewed as a positive liberty supporter.  The abolition of slavery be an example of positive liberalism .

Did Lincoln want to wage a limited or total war? Make sure to define the difference between the two.

Total warfare is defined as that where an entire population and its resources are committed to complete victory and elimination of military targets.  Such a war is unlimited in scope, there is very little differential here between combatants and civilians.  Both Gen. Grant and Pres. Lincoln talked about unconditional surrender.  Gen. Sherman was ordered by Grant to commit total warfare against the South, starting with the battle in Shenandoah Valley.  Lincoln and Grant were the first to introduce the concept of total warfare with the enemy capitulate completely.  This is contrasted to a limited war with the objective is not the total destruction of the enemy.  As such less than the unconditional surrender of the enemy.

How did Lincoln’s war policy change as the war unfolded? How does this change relate to his stance on the abolishment of slavery in the South?

The Union army had a shortage of manpower, and Lincoln ordered African-Americans to serve in the Union Army, this being  in segregated units.  A contradiction to some degree on the stance regarding slavery.  However, by freeing the slaves  Lincoln turned the war into a moral crusade.  This was the first US military draft in history, and the rich could buy themselves out of military service for the sum of $300.  This was a fairly rich sum of money, and most working people, including the African-Americans,  could not afford this.

How did Lincoln’s ability to communicate effectively bolster the Northern War effort and convince the North of the need for emancipation?

Lincoln had a great ability to communicate policy to the average person.  He uncomplicated matters and explained  things so that people could understand.  This was  highly motivational to the Union Army and bolstered the war effort.  Lincoln made it clear that the South depended upon slavery as a resource to wage war on the  union.  The Emancipation Proclamation would seriously damage the South’s capacity for using the African-Americans as a resource to support the military campaign.

Contrast Lincoln’s effort with Jefferson Davis’ efforts to communicate.

During  the course of the war, Lincoln proved himself to be a better leader and communicator than that of the Southern Pres. Jefferson Davis.  Davis was seen to have personality problems being a proud and arrogant man.  He did not have the education of President Lincoln and his military decisions were poor, lacking the strategic tactical planning of the Northern Union Army.  Davis found it difficult to delegate power and decision-making.  Was Lincoln had brilliant military generals like Grant and Sherman that he could rely upon.  Lincoln was also a fluent communicator and was able to make the common soldier understand his policy decisions, in addition to that of his military commanders.

How did Lincoln’s prosecution of the war lead to significant changes in the powers of both the federal government and the executive branch?

Since the end of the American Civil War.  The powers of the executive government expanded greatly.  The executive power in government is vested in  the President of the United States sometimes delegated  to the Cabinet officials.  It was after the war that the federal government began the process of reconstruction.  This resulted in the Reconstruction acts of 1867.  Constitutional amendments included:-

• 13th amendment [1865] making emancipation court proof;
• 14th amendment [1868] guarantees the right to vote;
• 15th amendment [1870] central civil rights toward black citizens.