Lincoln's election prompted South Carolina and ten other southern states to secede from the Union, marking a tumultuous start to his presidency.
Lincoln aimed primarily to preserve the Union, even over ending slavery.
Famous quote: "If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that."
Presidential Actions and Authority
Lincoln took unprecedented steps to save the Union, stretching presidential powers:
Militia and Army: Called up state militias and raised an army without Congressional approval.
Martial Law: Imposed in Maryland to suppress secessionist sentiments.
Habeas Corpus: Suspended in some states, allowing arrest and detention without trial.
Political Challenges and the Copperheads
Faced opposition from Copperheads, Democrats who criticized the war.
Clement Vallandigham Case: Arrested for anti-war speech, showcasing suppression of free speech.
Emancipation Proclamation
Declared all slaves in the Confederacy free, bypassing Supreme Court's 1857 Dred Scott decision.
Justified as a military measure to avoid Supreme Court jurisdiction.
Constitutional and Democratic Concerns
Lincoln's actions included:
Raising an army without Congressional consent.
Declaring martial law.
Suppressing freedom of speech.
Arresting without warrants.
Confiscating property.
These actions raise questions about the balance between civil liberties and national survival in times of crisis.
Conclusion
Lincoln's presidency exemplifies the tension between civil liberties and extraordinary measures during national emergencies.
The debate remains whether he acted tyrannically or necessarily to preserve the Union.