Description
Book SynopsisInterest in the American Civil War and the role of Abraham Lincoln has grown dramatically in the last decade. Leader of the anti-slavery Republican coalition and the wartime Union, he has become a model of a particular kind of democratic politician who led rather than followed. Richard J. Carwardine examines Lincoln''s rise to power and his achievements as US president. The book explores the wider sources of Lincoln''s authority and skills in embracing a broad range of elements within the Republican party. In particular, it looks at Lincoln''s shrewd relationship with evangelical Protestantism. His ability to harness and channel the power of the Protestant constituency was key to his winning the presidency and rallying support behind his national and emancipatory vision.
Table of Contents1. Inner Power: Lincoln's Ambition and Political Vision, 1809-18542. The Power of Opinion: Lincoln, the Illinois Public, and the New Political Order, 1854-18583. The Power of Party: Winning the Presidency, 1858-18604. Confronting the Limits of Power: From President-elect to War President, 1860-18615. The purposes of Power: Evolving Objectives, 1861-18656. The Instruments of Power: Coercion and Voluntary Mobilisation, 1861-18657. Conclusion: Power in Death
