Abraham Lincoln?s Path to Reelection in 1864: Our Greatest Victory

The fate of the Union and the emancipation of slavery were at stake in the national election of 1864. It was the most important election in the history of the United States, and a beacon of hope for the world. As Abraham Lincoln explained: “The most reliable indication of public purpose in this country is derived though our popular elections.” Lincoln exhibited extraordinary political skills undergirded by a profound moral and ethical perspective, effectively communicated to the public. He overcame extensive efforts within his own party to prevent his renomination for a second term. Lincoln’s evolving triumph is taken step by step. The words quoted are Lincoln’s own, and so too the words of opponents and allies. Lincoln took office faced with a bankrupt nation without a currency, a tax structure, a functioning government and a loyal and effective military. This illustrates Lincoln overseeing the national reconstruction while functioning as Commander-in-Chief. This is the story of how Lincoln mastered language, and how his words changed public perspective, drove home emancipation, reignited the ideals of freedom and saved democratic government. In all he said, Lincoln’s words speak freedom to peoples the world over today as in 1864.