PDF Summary:The Real Lincoln, by Thomas J. DiLorenzo

Critics traditionally portray Abraham Lincoln as the emancipator driven by moral motivations. But in The Real Lincoln, Thomas J. DiLorenzo challenges this portrayal. The book argues that Lincoln's true goals centered on consolidating federal authority and pursuing the Whig economic agenda known as the "American System"—even if the cost was subverting constitutional liberties.

DiLorenzo contends that Lincoln advanced his agenda under wartime conditions by curbing civil freedoms such as free speech and habeas corpus, and suppressing dissent. Furthermore, the author suggests that Lincoln's actions laid the groundwork for an expansive federal government beyond what the Constitution intended, at the expense of states' rights and individual liberties.

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• Encourage decentralized decision-making within your household by assigning specific responsibilities to each family member. For example, let one person manage the weekly meal planning, while another takes charge of organizing family outings. This not only promotes autonomy but also teaches the value of trust and shared authority.
• Turn challenges into a springboard for action by writing down a current personal obstacle and brainstorming three innovative solutions that could not only solve the problem but also improve your situation beyond its original state. For example, if you're facing a job loss, consider starting a freelance career, which could lead to greater flexibility and potential income.
• Write a speculative essay on an alternate history where key events turned out differently. Choose a pivotal moment in history, such as the American Civil War, and reimagine the outcomes and subsequent political landscape. This exercise can enhance your understanding of the impact of historical events on political progress.

During the Civil War, Lincoln implemented the tenets of the American System.

This section scrutinizes how Lincoln capitalized on the Civil War to implement the core tenets of the "American System," a framework he had steadfastly endorsed. DiLorenzo highlights legislation passed during the war that established the groundwork for a more centralized government prone to interference, thereby favoring politically connected enterprises to the detriment of free-market principles.

During the absence of the Southern states from Congress, Lincoln succeeded in instituting key components of the "American System," which had previously faced opposition and constitutional constraints.

DiLorenzo suggests that the Republican majority took advantage of the absence of Southern legislators during the war to push forward elements of the "American System," previously stalled by constitutional objections and opposition from Southern states. Several commanders-in-chief, including Andrew Jackson, have traditionally resisted measures to finance infrastructure projects and have been against creating a national bank. Lincoln, along with the Congressional Republicans, proceeded to advance their legislative agenda without the Southern states present to contest, thus avoiding any constitutional objections.

Practical Tips

• Engage in role-playing games that simulate political scenarios to develop strategic thinking. Create a game scenario where you must pass legislation in the absence of opposition, allowing you to explore the ethical and strategic considerations of such actions.
• Engage in a debate club or discussion group to practice navigating constraints and opposition. By actively participating in debates on topics that are constitutionally or ethically complex, you'll develop skills in crafting arguments that work within the confines of established systems, much like policymakers and advocates do.
• Create a personal finance club with friends or community members to discuss and practice principles of fiscal conservatism and investment in personal growth. Through regular meetings, you can collectively explore the balance between saving and spending, akin to how national leaders debated the role of government in economic affairs.
• You can observe legislative processes to understand how the absence of opposition can affect policy-making. Start by following a local council or school board meeting where certain members are absent. Note how the dynamics change and which policies pass more easily. This real-world observation can give you insight into the historical context you read about and how it might apply to modern governance.

This involved instituting high protective tariffs for local manufacturers, forming a unified economic framework, and allocating substantial government grants to companies, with a special focus on the sector building the vast network of railways throughout the country.

Throughout the war, Lincoln's government enacted a series of laws that established the American System as the prevailing policy across the country. The 1861 Morrill Tariff imposed substantially higher import taxes, benefiting Northern industrialists while economically disadvantaging Southern consumers and farmers. The laws enacted during 1863 and 1864 established the groundwork for a centralized banking network with the power to issue currency and, by levying a hefty tax on state bank notes, effectively unified the banking system. The 1862 Pacific Railway Act initiated the building of the transcontinental railroad, offering significant land grants and monetary assistance to the railroad companies known as the Union Pacific and Central Pacific. DiLorenzo argues that these actions marked a significant shift, turning the government of the United States from one characterized by limited and distributed power to a more unified body with a propensity for intervention.

Practical Tips

• Consider starting a blog or social media page that highlights and reviews products made by local manufacturers. This not only spreads awareness but also encourages others to support local businesses. For instance, if you purchase a piece of furniture made locally, share your experience and the story of the manufacturer online to give them more visibility.
• Create a simulation game with friends or family that mirrors the economy, assigning roles such as government officials, consumers, and business owners. Use play money and scenarios to see how different economic policies can impact each group. This interactive approach can deepen your understanding of economic dynamics in a fun and educational way.
• Consider purchasing products or services from companies within the railway sector to support the industry's growth. By choosing these companies for your transportation needs, you're indirectly benefiting from the government's focus on the sector. Look for special offers or loyalty programs offered by railway companies that have received government grants, as they might provide better services or discounts to attract more customers.
• You can explore the impact of tariffs on your daily life by tracking the origin of products you buy and noting any price changes over time. Start by making a list of common items you purchase, like electronics, clothing, or food. For each item, research where it was manufactured and whether it's subject to import tariffs. Over several months, monitor the prices and note any increases that could be due to tariff changes. This will give you a personal understanding of how tariffs can affect the cost of goods and your own budget.
• Engage in a role-playing exercise with friends where each person assumes the role of a banker or government official from the 1860s. Through this activity, you'll explore the decision-making processes and challenges faced during the establishment of a centralized banking system. Set up scenarios based on historical events, and debate the best course of action for your 'bank' or 'government,' which will help you appreciate the intricacies of policy-making and economic management of that time.
• Volunteer with a local historical society or museum to help preserve artifacts and stories related to the era of the transcontinental railroad. This hands-on experience can provide a deeper understanding of the significance of infrastructure projects and their lasting effects on society and culture.
• Create a personal blog or vlog series analyzing government interventions in real-time. Choose a specific intervention that interests you, such as economic stimulus measures or public health initiatives, and track its progress over time. Share your findings and thoughts on how the intervention reflects a unified government approach. This will not only deepen your understanding but also engage others in considering the effects of such policies.

Lincoln's actions led to an enlarged scope of power for the federal government, though this came at the cost of strict adherence to the Constitution.

The study examines the ways in which Lincoln's actions throughout the Civil War curtailed individual liberties and laid the groundwork for a more dominant and powerful federal government. DiLorenzo argues that Lincoln's actions, often defended as necessary for wartime, set dangerous precedents that continue to affect American liberties.

Abraham Lincoln's enactment of martial law and the corresponding curtailment of civil freedoms.

DiLorenzo meticulously outlines a series of actions taken during the Civil War that, from his viewpoint, demonstrate Lincoln's blatant disregard for constitutional liberties and the erosion of individual rights across the Northern states. During the confrontation, Lincoln expanded his authority significantly, effectively altering the governance into a form that bore a strong resemblance to a military-dominated authoritarian regime, although some argued that such actions were crucial for the time.

Lincoln's measures, such as revoking the right to habeas corpus, detaining political opponents, silencing the press, and using military power, were designed to influence election results and suppress dissent.

The Lincoln administration is recognized for its action to halt the enforcement of habeas corpus, allowing for the extended confinement of persons without formal accusations. He permitted the armed forces to hold and imprison those who resisted his government's authority during the imposition of martial law in several states. Many people were imprisoned in the North, not only for their active resistance to the war but also for simply holding opinions that diverged from Lincoln's stance. Lincoln implemented widespread censorship by shutting down publications that were critical of his policies and taking command of telegraph communications. He even went so far as to use military forces to interfere with elections in the North, a strategy that intimidated supporters of the Democratic Party and ensured victories for the Republicans. DiLorenzo suggests that such actions were intentionally designed to suppress opposition and consolidate power, effectively circumventing the core values that form the foundation of the country.

Practical Tips

• You can explore the balance between civil liberties and national security by starting a journal where you reflect on current events and historical decisions. Write down instances where you notice this balance being discussed in the news, and consider the implications of leaning too far in either direction. For example, note when a government increases surveillance for safety reasons and think about how this compares to Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus.
• Reflect on your personal boundaries by writing down situations where you feel your authority is challenged and how you respond. Understanding your reactions to resistance can help you navigate conflicts more effectively. For example, if a coworker often questions your decisions, note how you feel and what actions you take. Do you engage in dialogue, or do you assert your authority more firmly?
• Create a personal journal where you reflect on current events and your opinions about them, especially those that go against the mainstream. Use this as a safe space to articulate your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions. This practice can help you clarify your stance on issues and strengthen your ability to articulate dissenting opinions in public or private conversations.
• Develop critical thinking skills by creating a 'bias journal' where you note your own biases and assumptions when consuming news about elections or political events. Each time you read an article or watch a news segment, write down any preconceived notions you have about the parties or individuals involved and reflect on how these might affect your understanding of the information presented.

Lincoln's measures laid the groundwork for the persistent expansion of unrestrained authority within the national government, which persisted long after the Civil War period.

DiLorenzo argues that Lincoln's wartime measures established a dangerous precedent for the future expansion of government power. Lincoln's use of extraordinary powers during wartime, which were not specifically provided for by the Constitution, established a precedent enabling future presidents to bypass constitutional constraints and assume powers akin to a dictator during times of emergency. DiLorenzo warns that the precedents set may have lasting consequences for American liberty, as future administrations might cite Lincoln's measures to justify expanded government power and reduced individual freedoms.

Practical Tips

• Create a visual timeline of government power expansion for personal education. Use a large poster or digital tool to map out key events and legislation that have expanded government power since Lincoln's time. This visual aid can help you grasp the progression and scale of government power over time, allowing you to better understand its impact on society and your own life.
• Develop a personal code of ethics for decision-making in challenging situations by reflecting on scenarios where you might have to make tough choices. Write down your principles and the limits you would not cross, even under pressure. This exercise helps you establish a clear boundary for your actions, which can be a reference in both personal and professional contexts.
• Start a book club focused on historical and political analysis to discuss the use of wartime measures in different contexts. Each member could research a specific instance where a president used such measures, present their findings, and then the group could debate the long-term effects on constitutional constraints. This encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the historical precedents.

Abraham Lincoln's actions eroded the principles of states' autonomy.

DiLorenzo argues that the most enduring consequence of Lincoln's war was the destruction of the idea that states possess sovereignty, a key component of the Founding Fathers' blueprint for the American republic aimed at limiting federal power. DiLorenzo argues that Lincoln's handling of the dispute with the Southern states definitively eliminated the option of secession and confirmed the supremacy of the national government.

Lincoln's leadership in the war ostensibly aimed at preserving the Union, but in effect, it transformed the association from one of voluntary participation as envisioned by the nation's founders into an entity governed by a more powerful central authority.

DiLorenzo argues convincingly that, while the war under Lincoln was outwardly fought to maintain the Union, it fundamentally altered the core principles laid down by the Founding Fathers for the Union. DiLorenzo contends that the Founders established a union in which every state retained the sovereign right to secede should the federal authority stray from the core principles of liberty. Lincoln's initiation of a conflict in response to the secession of Southern states laid the groundwork for the creation of a government with enhanced central authority, subsequently undermining the fundamental principle of self-governance.

Context

• The war and its aftermath laid the foundation for the modern American state, where federal authority often supersedes state power, a shift from the original vision of a federation of semi-sovereign states.
• The Founding Fathers, including figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, envisioned a federal system where states retained significant autonomy and could theoretically secede if the federal government overstepped its bounds.
• The Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates during the ratification of the Constitution revolved around the extent of federal power, with Anti-Federalists advocating for stronger state sovereignty and fearing centralized control.
• The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly address the legality of secession, leading to differing interpretations. Some argued that the Union was perpetual, while others believed states retained sovereignty and could withdraw.

Lincoln's stance against the secession and the concept of states' autonomy played a major role in consolidating power within the federal government, which in turn reduced the scope of self-rule and personal liberties.

DiLorenzo contends that the destruction of states' rights significantly undermined the liberties that American citizens once held. Without the ability to withdraw from the union, there would be no means to limit the perpetual growth of federal authority, potentially encroaching on individual liberties and eroding the distributed governing framework that protects community autonomy and management. The victory of Lincoln set in motion a continuous trend towards greater centralization, a development that DiLorenzo asserts continues up to today.

Context

• The American Civil War (1861-1865) was primarily fought over issues including states' rights and slavery. Southern states seceded to preserve their autonomy and way of life, which they felt was threatened by the federal government.
• The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. This amendment has been a cornerstone for arguments in favor of states' rights, emphasizing a decentralized federal structure.
• The debate touches on broader philosophical questions about the nature of government and individual rights, including the tension between collective security and personal freedom.
• The Republican Party, dominant after the Civil War, supported policies that favored industrialization and federal intervention, influencing the political landscape towards centralization.
• The New Deal era marked a significant increase in federal intervention in the economy, establishing programs and regulations that expanded the federal government's role in economic and social welfare.

The impact of Lincoln's decisions continues to be felt in contemporary times.

The analysis suggests that Lincoln's choices laid the groundwork for an increasingly engaged and expansive government, significantly altering the course of American history. DiLorenzo contends that Lincoln's disregard for constitutional norms, coupled with his use of military might and backing of specific entrenched interests, resulted in the establishment of a central government that exercises considerably greater authority and has a more intrusive presence than the framers originally envisioned.

The period of Lincoln's leadership and the following Reconstruction era laid the foundation for a larger American government marked by a comprehensive administrative system, increased taxation authority, and widespread engagement in numerous aspects of everyday life.

DiLorenzo suggests that the broad scope of today's federal government originated during the time when Lincoln and his Republican colleagues consolidated their power throughout the period of the Civil War followed by the era of Reconstruction. Lincoln's measures set the stage for a substantial expansion of federal power in subsequent years, as he dismantled the structure that favored state sovereignty and diminished the focus on the independence of the states. DiLorenzo attributes the creation of a national income tax, the rise of numerous governmental bodies, the broadening of corporate grants, and the increased engagement of America in global affairs to the initiatives and strategies that Lincoln began.

Practical Tips

• Engage with a mentor in a leadership position within a non-profit organization to observe and learn how strategic decisions can lead to organizational growth. This mentorship will provide practical insights into the dynamics of leadership and its potential to expand an organization's influence and structure.
• Create a personal case study by comparing two different periods in your community's history. Research a time when local governance was more prominent and compare it to the present day, focusing on areas like infrastructure, healthcare, or education. This will help you understand the practical effects of shifting power dynamics on community development and services.
• You can explore the balance between local and federal authority by volunteering for a local political campaign. By engaging with a campaign, you'll gain firsthand experience of how state and federal policies intersect. For example, you might work on a local candidate's platform that addresses both state issues and how they align or conflict with federal regulations, giving you a practical understanding of sovereignty dynamics.
• You can explore the historical impact of tax policies by starting a blog that examines different tax laws throughout history and their effects on societies. For instance, you could write a post comparing the introduction of the national income tax during Lincoln's era with the tax reforms of the 1980s, analyzing how each period's tax policies influenced economic growth and social inequality.
• You can analyze the structure of your local government to identify gaps where new committees or initiatives could be beneficial. Start by attending town hall meetings or reviewing public records to understand current governmental functions. Then, draft a proposal for a new body that addresses a specific need in your community, such as a recycling initiative or a youth engagement program, and present it to local officials.
• Volunteer with a local business association or chamber of commerce to gain firsthand experience with how policies affect businesses. This will give you a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities businesses face in relation to government grants and incentives. You might assist in preparing grant applications or organizing informational workshops for business owners, which can provide a deeper appreciation of the policy landscape.
• Start a personal blog or podcast where you analyze current global events from a leadership perspective. Use this platform to explore how different leaders around the world are addressing international issues. This will not only deepen your understanding but also allow you to share your insights with others, fostering a community of globally-minded individuals.

Lincoln's disregard for the foundational principles of the constitution, his inclination toward the use of armed force, and his backing of certain entrenched interests compromised the core republican values, setting a precedent for the subsequent expansion of federal power.

DiLorenzo contends that the presidency of Lincoln and his enduring influence markedly altered the course of American history, undermining the core republican principles of limited government, individual liberty, and the citizens' entitlement to self-governance. DiLorenzo argues that Lincoln's measures, such as disregarding the limits set by the Constitution, using force to quell dissent, and centralizing power to benefit select elite factions, set the stage for the continuous expansion of federal government power. DiLorenzo argues that Lincoln's legacy has led to the emergence of a powerful, centralized government that undermines the freedoms it claims to protect, instead of being a triumph for liberty.

Other Perspectives

• The Constitution itself includes provisions for its own amendment, suggesting that the framers anticipated the need for the document to evolve over time, which could justify Lincoln's interpretation and application of constitutional principles in new contexts.
• The support of certain industries, such as the railroads, through the Pacific Railway Acts, can be interpreted as nation-building strategies that were common and accepted in the context of 19th-century economic development.
• The precedent for federal power expansion can be traced back to earlier administrations, such as those of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who also faced situations requiring federal intervention.
• The claim that Lincoln backed certain entrenched interests overlooks his broader agenda, which included the Homestead Act and the establishment of land-grant colleges, both of which aimed to benefit a wider population and promote opportunity.
• The use of armed force to maintain the Union can be seen as upholding the Constitution, as the document creates a perpetual union, with Article IV, Section 4 guaranteeing every state a republican form of government.
• The use of force during the Civil War was sanctioned by Congress through the issuance of war powers, which is a constitutional mechanism for such situations.
• Many of Lincoln's actions, such as the suspension of habeas corpus, were temporary wartime measures that were later reversed, indicating that they did not necessarily set a permanent precedent for the expansion of federal power.
• The centralization of government power can also be interpreted as an evolution of the federal system in response to the complexities of a growing nation, rather than a departure from core republican values.
• A certain degree of centralization can be instrumental in establishing and maintaining national security, which is a fundamental prerequisite for the protection of individual freedoms.