The Most Famous Person Abraham Lincoln Essay Example

ascertain the balance of power between state rights and federal, the union came out with an adamant federal government than ever. Lincoln had a hand in this, instructing a policy campaign and an elaborate military to have the rights of the states under control. By declaring martial rule in numerous areas beyond and above the authority of some state governors, by expelling and putting in prison several dissidents who were considered disloyal to the federal cause, and lastly by defending and asserting the policy that it was basically impossible for the few states to isolate themselves from the union, (Lincoln and William Gienapp 354). He argued that federal government was much considerable. Through the passage of some domestic policies such as land grant and Pacific Railroad acts, homestead, a strong federal authority in the midst of conflicts, this weakened the already reducing position of Confederate states. And lastly, he initiated economic cornerstones that up to today propel the federal government.

On assuming the presidential seat, he dealt with the hard task of reconstructing the nation following the civil war. Referring to few remarks made by Abraham Lincoln before his death, I can make an agreeable guess as to his opening ploy, anything away from is mere speculation. It is fair to say that Lincoln remained more moderate when compared to the Radical Republicans who favored a rough, retributive plan of reconstruction. In December of 1863, he came up with a generous reconstruction plan which provided for the readmission of previous Confederate states to the Union. This happened upon a loyalty oath to ten percent of the electorate. Radical Republicans reacted to this with dislike viewing it

as a too lenient plan. Instead, they proposed a strategy which demanded the majority of citizens pledge loyalty before being readmitted. He, however, pocket-vetoed this approach after it went through Congress. This raised ire of those who viewed his executive usurpation excessive which was a bold move which almost cost him re-election.

He also proposed a strategy named the imperative duty of American people to go on with charity toward all; malice toward none. This implied to bind up nation wounds; to wind up the work we are in. Such a stand continued drawing a lot of critics. Many found him to be too soft in his plans for rebels. But he realized the issue of reconstruction to be associated with great difficulty. He stood by his position of transitional arrangement in moderate states while giving the federal government a significant degree of controlling the moderate states. To foster the reconstruction process, he explained its main goal, and it was to restore seceded sate to their original proper practical relation with the federal government. Despite enduring extraordinary pressure, he persevered and carried on.

Abraham Lincoln also influenced the Global economy. One would benefit by just looking at principles formulated by Abraham’s government. Some of these policies are, facilitating upward mobility of both low and middle-income groups giving them a noticeable stake in their country. Emphasize on national economy over regional interests. Affirm the need for sound government institutions that that supports technological and economic changes. These principles and many others helped Americans benefit from and cope with technological changes and integration. He also said that we should realize that a period of turmoil can present a unique

opportunity despite it being a potential barrier to reform. Lincoln believed in economic opportunities for all and had great faith in the capabilities of others to achieve their dreams. His promise of upwardly directed mobility was essential to both national economic growth and its stability. He stated that government’s role was to ensure that all Americans had on opportunity to succeed in their quests. With insufficient opportunities for the middle and average class to get ahead, he feared that America would face divisive class warfare. His republic party believed that free market capitalism would serve as good way to create economic opportunity, (Lincoln, Abraham 99).

Abraham Lincoln sought to enhance education. He signed legislation which granted federal lands for construction of mechanical and agricultural institutions, in many cases these advanced to become general universities. This legislation encouraged gender equality in admission to state universities. With time, Lincoln administration's policies helped Americans to raise their living standards markedly. Although it did not completely eliminate the wage disparity between the poor and rich, it fostered a sense of dignity and well-being among the low and middle class. He also postulated for a unified national economy which would help in maintaining political and social stability, (Michael & Bedford 278). Without a cohesive domestic economic institution and robust national infrastructure, countries would suffer worrisome regional divisions. These divisions may even result to war. Such infrastructure projects were critical to America’s economic development and also a means to bind the people together, both psychologically and physically.

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln inherited a country which had internal conflicts; between cities and rural areas, between north and south, workers and industrialists and many others,

(Schwartz, Barry 57). His main aim was to come up with a unified national economy and reduced the disparities. The relevance of the above ideas to today’s world is that they provide a framework for a detailed economic governance structure for the whole world. Also, they help newly emerging economies in integrating into a quickly changing global market economy. The World Bank, The World Trade Organization, and IMF can consider lessons of Lincoln’s economic policies.

References

1. Goodwin, Doris Kearns. Team of rivals: The political genius of Abraham Lincoln. Penguin UK, 2009.
2. Lincoln, Abraham, and William E. Gienapp. This fiery trial: The speeches and writings of Abraham Lincoln. Oxford University Press, USA, 2002.
3. Lincoln, Abraham. Abraham Lincoln, Slavery, and the Civil War: Selected Writings and Speeches. Ed. Michael P. Johnson. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2011.
4. Schwartz, Barry. Abraham Lincoln and the forge of national memory. University of Chicago Press, 2000.