What was Abraham Lincoln’s Main Goal in the Civil War?
The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, was one of the most pivotal periods in American history. As the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln played a critical role in leading the North to victory against the confederate South. But, what was Lincoln’s main goal in the war? Was it to emancipate the slaves, preserve the Union, or something else entirely?
Contents
**Preservation of the Union**
Lincoln’s primary goal in the Civil War was to preserve the Union. When the war began in April 1861, seven Southern states had seceded from the Union, citing states’ rights and economic disagreements with the North. Lincoln believed that the Union was a legitimate entity that could not simply dissolve, and he saw the war as a test of whether the United States would remain a single country or become a collection of separate nations.
Bolded in Lincoln’s inaugural address, he explicitly stated that his goal was to "preserve the supremacy of the Constitution and defend the Union." He maintained that the Union was too valuable to be broken up, and that the costs of secession would outweigh any perceived benefits.
To achieve this goal, Lincoln employed a range of tactics, including:
• Strategic military campaigns to defeat the South
• Diplomatic efforts to win international support from countries like Britain and France
• Economic sanctions aimed at crippling the Confederate government’s ability to wage war
**Emancipation of the Slaves**
While preserving the Union was Lincoln’s primary goal, he also sought to end the institution of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation. Issued on January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves in Confederate territories, effectively ending slavery throughout the South.
However, it’s important to note that the Emancipation Proclamation did not:
• Free all slaves: It only applied to states that were still in rebellion against the Union
• Abolish slavery nationally: The 13th Amendment to the Constitution would later be needed to formalize the abolition of slavery
Lincoln’s concern for the welfare of black Americans was evident in the Emancipation Proclamation, which stated that those freed would be invited to join the union as citizens. Despite the limitations of the Proclamation, it marked an important step towards the long-term goal of ending chattel slavery in the United States.
**Reconstruction and Future of the Nation**
As the war drew to a close, Lincoln’s focus began to shift towards the Reconstruction of the South and the future of the United States. He became increasingly concerned about the condition of the newly freed slaves, who were facing intimidation, violence, and efforts to re-enslave them.
Lincoln’s vision for Reconstruction encompassed:
• Support for the 13th Amendment: He worked towards the passage of the Amendment, which would formally end slavery in the United States
• Protection and education for freed slaves: He advocated for measures like land grants and education funding to help former slaves settle and rebuild their lives
Tragically, Lincoln’s life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet on April 14, 1865. Less than a week later, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, effectively ending the Civil War.
| Goal | Description | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Preservation of the Union | Maintain the integrity and unity of the United States | Secession, rebellious states, international non-recognition |
| End of Slavery | Officially abolish the institution of slavery | Constitutional limitations, opposition from Southern states and slave owners |
| Reconstruction of the South | Reconstruct and rebuild the South following the war | Intimidation and violence against former slaves, economic devastation, and political instability |
Conclusion:
Abraham Lincoln’s main goal in the American Civil War was to preserve the Union, but he also sought to end the institution of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation. As the war drew to a close, Lincoln’s focus turned towards Reconstruction, where he worked towards the passage of the 13th Amendment and the protection and education of freed slaves.
These goals were not mutually exclusive, but rather intertwined; Lincoln recognized that the ultimate preservation of the Union necessitated the abolition of the institution of slavery. And, in the end, it was Lincoln’s persistence and leadership that helped shaped the course of American history, ultimately leading to a more united and equal country.
