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Civil War Certitude

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The beginning of the Civil War marked an objective not originally to free the slaves, but to merely preserve the union. Lincoln 's original goal was simply to save the country. He outwardly proclaimed, as did Congress, that he had no intention of defeating previously established institutions. As Congress and President Lincoln continued to deny that they will emancipate the slaves, the certitude still remains that everyone in this divided country is calling for something to be done concerning slavery. The government attempted to avoid the issue of slavery and Lincoln strive to keep focus on preserving the union took away from the issue. Nevertheless the extensive indications of the war for slavery could not be ignored. The immense pressure of …show more content…

Their freedom was being taken into account for military use. At this time in the war, slaves were being used to benefit the confederate cause. They were being utilized to fight for the same people who were persecuting them and against the people who were trying to free them. Simon Cameron, Lincoln 's first secretary of war was now faced with a dilemma due to this realization. Even though the blacks were being forced to fight for the confederate army, some were rushing towards union lines. Cameron was forced to decide what to do with them. Finally, in December of 1861, he presented his recommendations in his report to the President. He called for the freeing of the slaves so that they may be armed and used for the union cause. Cameron wanted the blacks to fight for their own freedom in a way. However, he did not see it fit to present to Lincoln for his consideration just yet. Accordingly he distributed his report amidst the postmasters of the largest cities. Lincoln was not so pleased with Cameron 's actions. He ordered the recall and revise of the report. Despite the President 's order, Cameron only asserted that the slaves were a military source and should not be returned to their owners. Cameron 's action only reassured Lincoln that Cameron was ill suited for the job. Within a month Edwin M. Stanton was the newly appointed Secretary of War. This incident had in no way helped the pressure for emancipation. In fact, it increased pressure on Lincoln. In the next few months, military pressure continued from all ends. The President made it crystal-clear that he wanted no one but himself to decide on

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