Eleanor Finch
Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis had differing views on the US Constitution, which led to a war and the split of the Democratic and Republican parties in the US. Lincoln, the president of the entire nation, stretched the powers of the nation's chief executive further than any previous president. He invoked the commander-in-chief clause of the Constitution to mobilise the Union army, wage war, and establish a draft. On the other hand, Davis, the president of the Confederate States, believed that secession was a peaceful move that rested upon the consent of the governed to alter or abolish forms of government that were destructive to their freedoms and interests. Lincoln, however, denied that the states had ever possessed independent sovereignty as colonies and territories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Views on slavery | Lincoln did not believe in slavery, while Davis did |
| Views on state sovereignty | Lincoln believed states never possessed independent sovereignty as colonies and territories, while Davis believed that states could withdraw from the compact with other states at any time |
| Views on the Union | Lincoln believed in a perpetual Union, while Davis believed in a voluntary Union of sovereign states |
| Views on the Constitution | Lincoln believed in a broad interpretation of the Constitution, while Davis believed in a strict interpretation |
| Views on the role of the national government | Lincoln believed in a strong national government, while Davis believed in states' rights |
| Views on the Civil War | Lincoln focused on military victory, while Davis believed the Civil War was a result of the United States government's unconstitutional actions |
| Views on the Confederacy | Lincoln did not recognize the legitimacy of the Confederacy, while Davis supported it |
| Views on the role of the president | Lincoln believed in a strong executive, while Davis believed in a more limited role for the president |
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What You'll Learn
Lincoln's use of the commander-in-chief clause
Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis had differing perceptions of the Constitution, with Lincoln stretching the powers of the nation's chief executive further than any previous president. Lincoln invoked the commander-in-chief clause of the Constitution to mobilise the Union Army, wage war, establish a draft, and limit civil liberties such as free speech and public protest. Lincoln's use of the commander-in-chief clause was significant in several ways.
Firstly, Lincoln's use of the commander-in-chief clause demonstrated his understanding of the responsibility that came with the role. Despite his lack of military background, Lincoln progressively developed in his role as commander-in-chief, becoming more assertive and hands-on as the Civil War progressed. By 1863, he was in his full stride as an activist commander-in-chief, issuing operation orders to division commanders.
Secondly, Lincoln's use of the commander-in-chief clause was instrumental in shaping and defining national policy. As president and commander-in-chief, Lincoln was responsible for formulating the nation's overall strategy during the Civil War. His policy was focused on preserving the United States as one nation, indivisible, and as a republic based on majority rule. Lincoln's actions, including the Emancipation Proclamation, which liberated enslaved people in states still in rebellion, reflected his commitment to this policy.
Thirdly, Lincoln's use of the commander-in-chief clause highlighted his political instincts and talent for leadership. Lincoln recognised the importance of optimising the North's advantages, such as their economic institutions and resources. He also demonstrated his ability to make tough decisions, such as removing General McClellan from his position due to his reluctance to take offensive action. Lincoln's leadership contributed to the Union's ultimate victory in the Civil War.
Finally, Lincoln's use of the commander-in-chief clause had a significant impact on the balance of power between the states and the national government. Lincoln's actions during the Civil War, such as issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, asserted the power of the national government over the states. This interpretation of the Constitution, known as constitutional nationalism, emphasised broad definitions of terms like "commerce" and "necessary and proper" and delegated implied powers to the national government. Lincoln's actions during the Civil War set a precedent for a stronger role for the national government in shaping state institutions and policies.
In conclusion, Lincoln's use of the commander-in-chief clause was a pivotal aspect of his presidency and leadership during the Civil War. It demonstrated his understanding of the role's responsibility, shaped national policy, highlighted his political instincts, and had lasting implications for the balance of power between the states and the national government.
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Davis's view of secession
Jefferson Davis's view of secession was largely driven by his belief in slavery. He argued that slavery was part of the founding fabric of the United States and was recognised and protected by the Constitution. Davis supported the Union, as long as the power of slave-owning states in the federal government was not challenged. He believed that slave owners were the true Christians, bringing Christianity and civilisation to African Americans.
Davis's views on secession were also shaped by his interpretation of states' rights. He believed that secession was a right afforded to the states, and he felt duty-bound to represent his state, Mississippi, which had voted to secede. Following Lincoln's election, Southern political leaders, including Davis, decided that leaving the Union was the only way to protect slavery. Mississippi and ten other Southern states seceded between December 1860 and April 1861, and Davis was elected to lead the new Confederate States of America.
Davis's views on secession were not without controversy. He was charged with treason after his capture by Union soldiers in May 1865, although he was never prosecuted. Davis's support for secession and his defence of slavery placed him at odds with those seeking to end slavery and redefine freedom in the United States.
Davis's stance on secession was influenced by his belief in states' rights and his commitment to protecting slavery. He saw secession as a means to safeguard the interests of slave-owning states and to uphold what he perceived as the founding principles of the nation. While he did not initially support secession, he ultimately felt compelled to act when he believed those interests were under threat.
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Lincoln's nationalism
Abraham Lincoln's nationalism was rooted in his interpretation of the US Constitution and his belief in a strong central government. Lincoln's nationalism can be understood through his actions and policies as President, particularly in the context of the Civil War and his opposition to Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States.
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Davis's state sovereignty
Jefferson Davis's perception of state sovereignty was made clear in his inaugural address, where he emphasised secession as a peaceful move that rested upon the consent of the governed to alter or abolish forms of government that were destructive to their freedoms and interests. He believed that the United States was a compact of Southern states, each of which had agreed to allow the national government to act as its agent without ever relinquishing fundamental sovereignty. This meant that any state could, at any time, withdraw from the compact with the other states.
Davis's view of state sovereignty was also reflected in his belief that the Confederate government had acted in concert with the Founders, adhering to the true meaning of the Constitution. He saw the Union as a voluntary Union of sovereign States, arguing that Lincoln's administration had perverted this original intention by denying habeas corpus rights near Washington, D.C.
Davis's stance on state sovereignty was further influenced by his support for slavery and states' rights. He was a vocal pro-slavery advocate and believed that the Southern states had the right to secede from the Union to protect their interests. This belief in state sovereignty and the right to secession ultimately led to the Civil War, as Lincoln, who viewed the Union as a perpetual and indivisible entity, refused to recognise the legitimacy of the Confederacy.
Davis's perception of state sovereignty also influenced his understanding of the principle of perpetuity. While both Lincoln and Davis recognised that "forever" implies perpetuity, they disagreed on the specific details of what should endure forever. Davis, with his emphasis on state sovereignty, likely believed in the permanence of state rights and the ability of states to secede.
In summary, Jefferson Davis's perception of state sovereignty was central to his political ideology. He viewed the United States as a compact of sovereign states, each with the fundamental right to secede if they felt their freedoms and interests were threatened. This belief in state sovereignty informed his interpretation of the Constitution, his support for slavery and states' rights, and his understanding of perpetuity.
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Lincoln's views on slavery
Abraham Lincoln's views on slavery were complex and evolved over time. Lincoln firmly believed that slavery was morally wrong, but recognised that it was sanctioned by the Constitution, which included clauses protecting the institution of slavery. Lincoln saw himself as working with abolitionists towards a common anti-slavery cause, but did not identify as one himself. He believed that the founding fathers' phrase "all men are created equal" applied to both Black and white people, but did not think that they should have the same social and political rights.
Lincoln came to national prominence in the 1850s with the advent of the Republican Party, which officially opposed slavery. In 1854, he gave a three-hour speech in Peoria, Illinois, presenting his moral, legal, and economic opposition to slavery. However, he admitted that he did not know exactly how to abolish it within the current political system. During the Illinois race for the US Senate in 1858, Lincoln debated his opponent, Stephen Douglas, who accused him of supporting "negro equality". Lincoln clarified that while he believed in equal human rights for Black people, he did not support social and political equality, opposing Black people's right to vote, serve on juries, hold office, or intermarry with whites.
Lincoln's views evolved further during his presidency. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, calling on the Union army to liberate all enslaved people in states still in rebellion. This marked a crucial turning point in Lincoln's views on slavery and the Civil War. By the end of the war, around 200,000 Black men had served in the Union Army and Navy, dealing a fatal blow to slavery and leading to its abolition by the 13th Amendment. In the last years of his life, Lincoln supported voting rights for African Americans in the United States, becoming the first US President to do so.
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Frequently asked questions
Lincoln did not believe in slavery, whereas Davis did. Lincoln believed that the states had never possessed independent sovereignty as colonies and territories, and that secession was not peaceful. He also believed that the Constitution delegated implied powers to the national government.
Lincoln stretched the powers of the nation's chief executive further than any previous president. He invoked the commander-in-chief clause of the Constitution to mobilise the Union Army, wage war, establish a draft, and limit civil liberties.
Davis believed that secession was a peaceful move that rested upon the consent of the governed to alter or abolish forms of government that were destructive to their freedoms and interests. He also supported a prisoner exchange policy with Lincoln that kept few prisoners in long-term prison camps.
Lincoln and Davis's disagreements over slavery led to the Civil War. Lincoln believed that the Constitution warranted the emancipation of slaves, while Davis believed that the United States government was unconstitutional and that the Confederate government had acted in concert with the Founders.
Lincoln's inaugural address sought unity, while Davis's emphasised secession and states' rights.
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