About the book
In this landmark book, Daniel Crofts examines a little-known episode in the most celebrated aspect of Abraham Lincoln’s life: his role as the “Great Emancipator.” Lincoln always hated slavery, but he also believed it to be legal where it already existed, and he never imagined fighting a war to end it. In 1861, as part of a last-ditch effort to preserve the Union and prevent war, the new president even offered to accept a constitutional amendment that barred Congress from interfering with slavery in the slave states. Lincoln made this key overture in his first inaugural address.
Crofts unearths the hidden history and political maneuvering behind the stillborn attempt to enact this amendment, the polar opposite of the actual Thirteenth Amendment of 1865 that ended slavery. This compelling book sheds light on an overlooked element of Lincoln’s statecraft and presents a relentlessly honest portrayal of America’s most admired president. Crofts rejects the view advanced by some Lincoln scholars that the wartime momentum toward emancipation originated well before the first shots were fired. Lincoln did indeed become the “Great Emancipator,” but he had no such intention when he first took office. Only amid the crucible of combat did the war to save the Union become a war for freedom.
Editions of Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469627311
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469663944
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890850263
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469627335
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469627328
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890850256
Read an Excerpt
In this landmark book, Daniel Crofts examines a little-known episode in the most celebrated aspect of Abraham Lincoln’s life: his role as the “Great Emancipator.” Lincoln always hated slavery, but he also believed it to be legal where it already existed, and he never imagined fighting a war to end it. In 1861, as part of a last-ditch effort to preserve the Union and prevent war, the new president even offered to accept a constitutional amendment that barred Congress from interfering with slavery in the slave states. Lincoln made this key overture in his first inaugural address.
Crofts unearths the hidden history and political maneuvering behind the stillborn attempt to enact this amendment, the polar opposite of the actual Thirteenth Amendment of 1865 that ended slavery. This compelling book sheds light on an overlooked element of Lincoln’s statecraft and presents a relentlessly honest portrayal of America’s most admired president. Crofts rejects the view advanced by some Lincoln scholars that the wartime momentum toward emancipation originated well before the first shots were fired. Lincoln did indeed become the “Great Emancipator,” but he had no such intention when he first took office. Only amid the crucible of combat did the war to save the Union become a war for freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery about?
In this landmark book, Daniel Crofts examines a little-known episode in the most celebrated aspect of Abraham Lincoln’s life: his role as the “Great Emancipator.” Lincoln always hated slavery, but he also believed it to be legal where it already existed, and he never imagined fighting a war to end it. In 1861, as part of a last-ditch effort to preserve the Union and prevent war, the new president even offered to accept a constitutional amendment that barred Congress from interfering with slavery in the slave states. Lincoln made this key overture in his first inaugural address.
Crofts unearths the hidden history and political maneuvering behind the stillborn attempt to enact this amendment, the polar opposite of the actual Thirteenth Amendment of 1865 that ended slavery. This compelling book sheds light on an overlooked element of Lincoln’s statecraft and presents a relentlessly honest portrayal of America’s most admired president. Crofts rejects the view advanced by some Lincoln scholars that the wartime momentum toward emancipation originated well before the first shots were fired. Lincoln did indeed become the “Great Emancipator,” but he had no such intention when he first took office. Only amid the crucible of combat did the war to save the Union become a war for freedom.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469627311
How long is Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery and how many pages does it have?
Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery has 368 page(s)
Is Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Civil War America
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery?
Daniel W. Crofts
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469627311) and paperback(ISBN 9781469663944) and ebook(ISBN 9798890850263) and ebook(ISBN 9781469627335) and ebook(ISBN 9781469627328) and pdf(ISBN 9798890850256)
Where can I buy Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery from below
Where can I buy Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery?