Abraham Lincoln The Gumameleon Research Paper

Elected as the sixteenth president of the United States in 1861, Abraham Lincoln proved to be a commendable leader who was admired by many. President Lincoln was elected to power at a time when the country was at the verge of civil war caused by the divisions between the country’s south and the north. During his reign, between the years 1861 to 1865, Lincoln fearlessly led the union through the civil war and strove to liberate the country from slavery, foster equality and reconcile the divisions that had put the country to war. Even through these tough times, Lincoln did not hold back on his visions for the nation. He made his purpose clear, kept his potential rivals close and did not shy off from making big decisions. This paper will demonstrate

For instance, he appointed George B. McClellan, as his army leader (U.S. Department of the Interior n.p). McClellan was to be his in opponent in the re-election. Although Lincoln differed with some ideologies of the likes of McClellan and his adamant rival, Stephen A. Douglas, he still sought their views before making the final decision (Owens, Mackubin n.p). To some extent, Lincoln was a ‘‘political chameleon’’, although this view is questionable given his expressions of outright autonomy in most state decisions. His autonomy is illustrated in his decisions to change the army leaders and objection to the House suggestions such as that of firing the army’s leader, General Grant whom the House had deemed unfit for duty due to his failure to defeat the Secessor’s army. Further, Lincoln elected himself to the position of the Chief General of the Army, without approval from the house. The above counter argument, against his reputation as a “political chameleon”, is coupled by the fact that he fired McClellan and replaced him with a new general, which could have been because McClellan’s views and decisions openly differed with

For example, on his vision to end slavery and foster freedom and equality, he signed the Abolition Act, issued the Emancipation Proclamation and pushed for the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment in the house. He also kept his potential rivals like McLean close, and sought their advice but still retained his autonomy in critical decisions regarding the nation. Moreover, he was also a great orator and some of his sayings are still cited to date. Lincoln was neither timid nor naturally cautious and took great risks, which eventually led to his assassination by the sympathizer of the south who felt offended by President’s broad anti-slavery and equality policies and actions. Though, resented by a few, Abraham Lincoln had earned his fully deserved reputation, ‘as the greatest president in the U.S history’. With his vision, great oratory and charismatic leadership skills, Lincoln contributed enormously to building the America we know