I do agree that the idea of morality was used by both anti and pro slavery supporters. I would argue that it did play an imortant role in the ending of slavery, yet I would agree that it was not enough to solely lead change. The definition of morality has been twisted greatly all throughout history. In order to get the 13th Amendment passed ending slavery in 1865, President Lincoln had to use the idea of morality to his advantage. By using Divine Providence and the support of evangelical leaders, Lincoln was able to assert that the Civil War was morally the right thing to do and eventually (using strategic/delayed timing to his advantage)make the main goal of the war not just preserving the Union, but emancipation of slaves. Lincoln countered southern views of African Americans and was able to use the "morally wrong" arguement to widen his support coalition, along with patriotism and strategy, to "win" the Civil War. Lincoln however, did not view it as a win, but something that had left both sides with bloody hands and both sides a part of the system of slavery. It would be interesting to know how reconstruction and Jim Crow would have been approached by Lincoln if he had not been fataly shot by Booth.
-Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power, Carwardine
http://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Purpose-Power-Richard-Carwardine/dp/1400044561
No comments:
Post a Comment