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To What Extent Was Lincoln's Goals Of The Civil War

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At the time of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln was confronted by an enormous challenge of preserving the Union. Although he remained true to his goal of preventing the United States from splitting throughout the course of the war, Lincoln had made some fundamental changes in his war strategy in order to achieve his ultimate aim. Instead of making preservation of the Union the only goal of the Civil War, he also declared that the abolition of slavery would become another purpose of fighting this war. As a means to keep the United States from splitting, Lincoln decided to free the slaves in order to increase the war effort, decrease the resistance of the South, and create a stronger central government.
“Abraham Lincoln became president …show more content…

He cared more about the outcome of the war that was fought for the people and the progress being made in order to achieve his main objective of the war – preserve the Union. Once again, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation helped him in his efforts to create stronger central government. Firstly, it encouraged the rising tide of patriotism in American people. Lincoln was “a master of the written and spoken word.”9 Thus, all his speeches and letters had a huge impact on American citizens. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in November 1863 was another famous speech that affected many Northern citizens. It encouraged them to be more active in the war efforts, as Lincoln’s words really touched the hearts of numerous Americans. He mentioned those who gave their lives in this great war for the Union, so that the nation could prosper and said that “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”10 This speech served as an appeal to the citizens to stand up and be ready fight on the path to pursue the main goal of the Civil War – restoration of the Union. Lincoln used the war over slavery as a strategy that helped unite not only slaves, but also other people who strongly supported the abolition of slavery. Not only he was able to achieve the solidarity and cohesion of many citizens, but also increase their faith in the decisions and acts of the government. More people supported Lincoln because they truly believed that he wanted to protect their interests and that his decisions and strategies were essential in order to achieve the main objective of the Civil War. Thus,

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