Abraham Lincoln Commander and Chief: Holding the Union Together

Abraham Lincoln Commander and Chief: Holding the Union Together
A Learning On-Line Learning Activity Page by Howard Taylor

Authoring, Researching, Reporting and other Work

. . . Holding the
Union Together

Abraham Lincoln
Commander & Chief of the United States

His Leadership

SECESSION: States would declare that they were leaving the Union. Secession had been considered by states even as far back as Jefferson's time, and even by cities such as New York City. It was not a new idea, but is one that most patriotic Americans do not like to think of as a part of our history.

Soon after Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency in November 1860, seven southern states seceded from the Union. In March 1861, after he was inaugurated as the 16th President of the United States, four more followed.

The secessionists claimed that according to the Constitution every state had the right to leave the Union. Lincoln claimed that they did not have that right. He opposed secession for these reasons:

[from: Lincoln Home National Memorial}

1. Physically, the states cannot separate from the union

2. Secession is unlawful.

3. A government that allows secession will disintegrate into anarchy.

4. That Americans are not enemies, but friends.

5. Secession would destroy the world's only existing democracy, and prove for all time, to future Americans and to the world, that a government of the people cannot survive.

Check this link for a description of
Lincoln's viewpoint about secession

. . . With these Lincoln thoughts and values, the United States would enter a four-year Civil War, 1861-1865. Lincoln did not allow the seceded states stars to be taken off the flag. He considered his job, one of ending the division, and making the country one again. This would take great leadership skills, as well as political skills. The United States was seemingly falling apart, but Abraham Lincoln wasn't going to allow it.

. . . Your Job
Using the "5" anti secession reasons from the mind of Abraham Lincoln, and
respond to them in the table:

*Cannot/ Should not Secede reason:*	*The Union Viewpoint*	*The Confederacy Viewpoint*	*Your Opinion: Should they have & Why?*
1. Physically, the states cannot separate from the union . . . . . .. .	.	.	.
2. Secession is unlawful. . . . . .. .	.	.	.
3. A government that allows secession will disintegrate into anarchy. . . . . . . .	.	.	..
4. That Americans are not enemies, but friends. . . . . . . .	.	.	.
5. Secession would destroy the world's only existing democracy, and prove for all time, to future Americans and to the world, that a government of the people cannot survive. . . . . . . . .	.	.	.

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