Book SummaryThe Real Lincoln, by Thomas J. DiLorenzo

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Abraham Lincoln's viewpoints on matters of race

This section of the text delves into Lincoln's complex and at times contradictory perspectives on racial equality and slavery, challenging the traditional portrayal of him as the archetypal emancipator. DiLorenzo argues that Lincoln's actions and speech reveal a deep-seated belief in white supremacy and a reluctance to embrace the notion of racial equality fully.

Lincoln's position mirrored the dominant beliefs in white superiority at the time

DiLorenzo challenges the common perception that Lincoln championed the cause of racial equality. Throughout his career, he unwaveringly held the belief that whites were to hold a superior position in society compared to blacks, demonstrating his firm belief in white supremacy. Lincoln envisioned a country from which blacks would ultimately be entirely excluded, not one characterized by racial integration.

Lincoln was convinced of white supremacy and deemed it unfeasible for both races to live together on an equal footing within the spheres of politics and society.

Throughout his political career, Lincoln consistently maintained a position that was not in favor of racial equality. Lincoln believed in the inherent superiority of the white race and argued that it was impossible for the two races to coexist peacefully as equals in political and social spheres. In the debates of 1858, Lincoln explicitly stated his opposition to the idea of providing equal political and social rights to both black and white individuals. In my perspective, the natural differences in physical characteristics between races might eternally hinder their ability to live together as equals; acknowledging this inescapable inequality, I concur with the opinion that prioritizes our race. DiLorenzo suggests that Lincoln's comments indicate a perspective where a society is envisioned with white dominance rather than one marked by racial harmony.

Other Perspectives

• Historical context is important; Lincoln's views must be considered in the context of the prevailing attitudes of his time, and he was often pragmatic in his public positions to maintain political support for the Union cause.
• The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Lincoln, was a significant step towards the abolition of slavery, which laid the groundwork for future advancements in civil rights, indicating a complex perspective on race that went beyond simply opposing equal rights.
• Lincoln's support for colonization of freed slaves is sometimes cited as evidence of his belief in white supremacy, but others argue it was a reflection of the perceived realities of his time and not necessarily indicative of his personal beliefs about racial hierarchy.

Lincoln was in favor of the relocation of African Americans to nations such as Africa rather than their continued residence in the United States.

DiLorenzo also argues that Lincoln's preferred method for dealing with the nation's racial problems was not liberation and assimilation, but rather the relocation of the impacted communities. Lincoln advocated for the relocation of African Americans to places like Africa, Haiti, or Central America, effectively to regions beyond the United States' borders. He regarded it as a splendid affirmation and a conclusive validation for the African descendants. DiLorenzo highlights Lincoln's active involvement with the American Colonization Society and his consistent advocacy for colonization policies during his presidency, which persisted even during the Civil War. DiLorenzo contends that Lincoln's primary aim was to maintain a society where whites held dominance, as opposed to placing the welfare of African Americans at the forefront.

Context

• The idea of relocating African Americans, known as colonization, was part of a broader 19th-century movement supported by some who believed that African Americans would face insurmountable racial prejudice in the United States. The American Colonization Society, founded in 1816, was a prominent organization advocating for this cause.
• The Civil War itself was a turning point in American attitudes toward race and slavery. As the war continued, the focus shifted more toward abolition and the rights of African Americans, influenced by the contributions of Black soldiers and changing public opinion.

Lincoln's position on the legislation pertaining to the recovery of runaway slaves, combined with his various deeds and remarks, unequivocally demonstrates his hesitance to afford African Americans the rights of citizenship and the chance to participate in political processes.

DiLorenzo contends that Lincoln's support for the 1850 legislation, which was designed to ensure the return of escaped slaves, reflects his opposition to racial equality. The federal government had a legal responsibility to ensure that...

The Real Lincoln Summary Lincoln's economic strategy, referred to as the "American System"

This section explores Lincoln's persistent support for the economic approach known as the "American System." Lincoln's political ambitions throughout his career were predominantly influenced by the core principles of the Whig Party, according to DiLorenzo's argument. The approach involved using the power of the government to benefit firms with political ties, which was to the disadvantage of the general public.

Lincoln's steadfast adherence to the set of economic and political strategies referred to as the "American System," championed by the Whig Party.

DiLorenzo suggests that Lincoln's true political goal was to create a framework that encouraged protective tariffs for the benefit of local industries, the creation of a banking system under federal control, and the allocation of government funds to support corporations, with a particular emphasis on the railway industry. DiLorenzo argues that such a framework was intentionally established to benefit certain factions by wielding government power, which in turn centralized control to the detriment of the general population.

Lincoln embarked on his political path adhering to economic strategies that favored domestic...

The Real Lincoln Summary 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...