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Lincoln S Hundred Days: The Emancipation Proclamation And The War For The Union

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Abraham Lincoln's first hundred days as president were a pivotal period in American history. Sworn into office on March 4, 1861, Lincoln inherited a nation on the brink of civil war, facing immense challenges and uncertainties. In the face of adversity, Lincoln exhibited remarkable leadership, navigating a complex and treacherous political landscape to preserve the Union and lay the foundation for eventual victory.

The Dire State of the Union

As Lincoln took office, the nation was deeply divided over the issue of slavery. Seven Southern states had seceded from the Union, and more were threatening to do so. The Confederacy, a new government formed by the seceded states, had seized federal forts and arsenals, and was actively preparing for war.

Lincoln’s Hundred Days: The Emancipation Proclamation and the War for the Union

by Louis P. Masur

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Lincoln's Initial Actions

Undeterred by the escalating crisis, Lincoln moved swiftly to address the many challenges facing his administration. His initial actions included:

Calling for 75,000 volunteers: In response to Southern secession, Lincoln called for Union volunteers to suppress the rebellion.
Issuing the Emancipation Proclamation (preliminary version): The proclamation declared that slaves in Confederate-held territory would be free as of January 1, 1863, a crucial step towards abolishing slavery.
Establishing a blockade of Southern ports: Lincoln ordered a blockade of Southern ports to prevent the Confederacy from receiving supplies and revenue.
Suspending the writ of habeas corpus: In some border states and areas with strong Confederate sympathies, Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, allowing for the detention of suspected Confederate sympathizers without trial.

The Battle of Fort Sumter

Despite Lincoln's efforts to avert war, the Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861. The bombardment of the fort marked the official start of the Civil War.

The War Effort

In response to the attack on Fort Sumter, Lincoln called for an additional 400,000 volunteers and increased the size of the Union army. The war effort required a massive mobilization of resources, including the creation of a new volunteer army, the expansion of the navy, and the establishment of a war economy.

Political Challenges

While leading the war effort, Lincoln also faced significant political challenges. Congressional Democrats, known as "Copperheads," opposed many of his policies, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the suspension of habeas corpus. Lincoln skillfully navigated these divisions, using his political acumen and leadership to build support for his policies.

The Gettysburg Address

On November 19, 1863, Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address at the dedication of a national cemetery at the site of the Battle of Gettysburg. The address became a defining moment of his presidency, articulating his vision of a unified nation founded on the principles of equality and liberty.

The End of the War

In 1865, with the Union victory in sight, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. However, Lincoln's legacy lived on. His leadership during the first hundred days had laid the groundwork for preserving the Union and abolishing slavery, shaping the course of American history.

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Abraham Lincoln's first hundred days as president were a time of great turmoil and transformation. Facing immense challenges, Lincoln demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and determination. His actions during this pivotal period laid the foundation for the preservation of the Union, the abolition of slavery, and the strengthening of the American nation.

Lincoln’s Hundred Days: The Emancipation Proclamation and the War for the Union

by Louis P. Masur

4.6 out of 5