Salmon Chase: Lincoln's Vital Rival in the Fight for the Union

Salmon Portland Chase was a prominent American politician who served as the 6th Chief Justice of the United States from 1864 to 1873. He was a leading figure in the Republican Party and played a key role in the fight to preserve the Union during the Civil War. Chase was a close ally of President Abraham Lincoln, but he was also a fierce rival, often challenging Lincoln's policies and ambitions.

Salmon P. Chase: Lincoln's Vital Rival

by Walter Stahr

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3567 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	561 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Early Life and Career

Chase was born in Cornish, New Hampshire, on January 13, 1808. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1826 and studied law in Washington, D.C. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1830 and quickly established himself as a successful lawyer. Chase became involved in politics in the 1830s, serving in the Ohio House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He was a strong supporter of the abolitionist movement and helped to found the Republican Party in 1854.

Secretary of the Treasury

In 1861, President Lincoln appointed Chase as Secretary of the Treasury. Chase played a key role in financing the Union war effort, issuing bonds and raising taxes to fund the army and navy. He also established the national banking system, which helped to stabilize the economy and provide a source of funding for the war. Chase was a strong advocate for the Union cause and often clashed with Lincoln over policy. He was a proponent of a more aggressive prosecution of the war and favored the use of African American troops.

Chief Justice of the United States

After the Civil War, Chase was appointed Chief Justice of the United States by President Andrew Johnson. He served in this position from 1864 to 1873. As Chief Justice, Chase presided over several important cases, including the Dred Scott case, which ruled that African Americans were not citizens of the United States. Chase dissented from the majority opinion in this case, arguing that slavery was unconstitutional.

Later Years

After leaving the Supreme Court, Chase returned to politics. He ran for President in 1872 as the candidate of the Liberal Republican Party, but he was defeated by Ulysses S. Grant. Chase died in New York City on May 7, 1873.

Legacy

Salmon Chase was a complex and controversial figure. He was a strong advocate for the Union cause, but he was also a fierce rival of President Lincoln. As Secretary of the Treasury, Chase played a key role in financing the war effort. As Chief Justice, he presided over several important cases, including the Dred Scott case. Chase's legacy is mixed, but he is remembered as one of the most important figures in American history.

Additional Information

* Salmon Chase was the first Secretary of the Treasury to issue paper money. * Chase was a close friend of Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist leader. * Chase was a strong advocate for women's suffrage. * Chase's daughter, Kate Chase Sprague, was a prominent socialite and political figure. * Chase's son, Salmon P. Chase, Jr., was a U.S. Senator from Ohio.

Salmon Chase was a powerful and influential figure in American history. He played a key role in the fight to preserve the Union during the Civil War and served as Chief Justice of the United States after the war. Chase was a complex and controversial figure, but he is remembered as one of the most important figures in American history.

Salmon P. Chase: Lincoln's Vital Rival

by Walter Stahr

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3567 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	561 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE