lincoln:the articulate politic
The middle of the 19th Century was a period of turbulence and discontent for Americans; although citizens of one country, America was split by the presence of an institution known as slavery. The controversy surrounding the practice of slavery instigated the dichotomy of the nation and presented an ideological dispute among the brethren of the United States of America. The essence of the debate over slavery was moral in nature, with arguments over slavery as "right" or "wrong" prevalent in the North and South alike. While Southerners insisted on preserving slavery, political defenders of the institution sought constitutional support for their cause. One senator in particular, Stephen Douglas, made a statement in his speech that sparked the response of rising politicians of the Republican party, including Abraham Lincoln. Douglas proclaimed, "our fathers, when they framed the Government under which we live, understood the question just as well, and even better, than we do now." Douglas was alluding to one issue of slavery in particular: evidence from the constitution prohibiting the Federal Government to control the Federal Territories in regards to the existence of slavery. Li
Lincoln also developed his arguments very logically, patterning his Cooper Union speech after those of the practice of law, where a proof is formulated in order to convince and unite supporters. This aspect of his political philosophy demonstrated focus and consistency while portraying Lincoln's command of the subject and allowing him to be slightly intimidating to the public. Utilizing concise and logical methods to construct his speeches and debates provided a more accessible view of controlling slavery to general audiences who were not well informed on the issue. Lincoln's political philosophy was democratic and strategic. Although Lincoln held strong views in connection to the spread of slavery, he also knew how to speak eloquently enough so as to gain the respect of opponents such as the Democrats. Lincoln's approach to the debate was conclusive and empirically supported, with every claim clearly explained and each controversial issue anticipating the response the claims were bound to elicit. By proving that Congress "did interfere with it-take control of it-even there, to a certain extent," Lincoln provides constitutional support for his political philosophy, and is successful in undermining that of Douglas and his Democratic colleagues. He sites many examples of previous interference of the Federal Government with slavery in the territories. Lincoln's philosophy leads to the anti-slavery ideal that serves as the premise for the Civil War Republicans of America. His perseverance and articulateness guide the country through the devastation of the Civil War and into the revolution su
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Approximate Word count = 1081
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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