The Sesquicentennial of the Civil War is upon us, and we can expect a lot more conversation in the coming months regarding the causes and effects of that catastrophic war.
Several editorials have recently been published in major newspapers making sure we all know what the real cause of the War was: slavery.
Recently, Gary Dickson reaffirmed this point of view in an editorial entitled “Nothing to Celebrate” regarding a reenactment/celebration of the 150th anniversary of South Carolina”s Independence Day from the Federal Government.
This view typically hinges on two premises: First, that Lincoln was committed “to end slavery in America,” and second, that when the Deep South seceded, they referred to their belief in the inferiority of blacks and their rightly being slaves as justification.
Essentially, the idea is that the South was wrong, the North was right and it is wrong for Americans today to celebrate Confederate heritage.
But these editorials miss the mark. One example of many is the idea that Abraham Lincoln”s primary focus was to free the slaves. In reality, Lincoln promised to maintain slavery where it was. He wrote: “My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union.”
Was this idle political posturing?
Not at all. Little known to most of modern America was something called the “Corwin Amendment.” This was a proposed Constitutional Amendment (intended to be the 13th, ironically) that stated: “No amendment shall be made to the Constitution, which will authorize or give to Congress the power to abolish or interfere, within any State, with the domestic institutions thereof, including that of persons held to labor or service by the laws of said State.” Abraham Lincoln endorsed this amendment and it passed Congress after the Deep South seceded.
Little known is that Lincoln”s famed Emancipation Proclamation was carefully worded to preserve slavery everywhere it existed under Federal control. It only attempted to free those slaves that were under Confederate jurisdiction (thus is actual practice, freeing hardly any slaves at all). Lincoln”s administration continued to protect slavery everywhere else, even after his death. It was not until the passing of the revised 13th Amendment that finally ended slavery in the U.S.
Quoting Southern racist comments while ignoring Northern racist comments to prove the South was wrong is not a fair way to look at history.
Google “Lincoln”s racist quotes” and prepare to be shocked. While you are at it, Google “History of Liberia” to learn of Lincoln”s plan for the freedmen, the “Corwin Amendment,” “Emancipation Proclamation” and “The Morrill Tariff.”
This brief investigation will challenge most people”s core beliefs about the causes of the Civil War.
Doing this does not make one a “revisionist” or a “neo-confederate,” but it will make you more educated. Take the time to do your research before you react one way or the other.
If you find something above in error, write to the paper and share your research.
Let”s learn together.
These issues are being discussed in-depth at the Redwood Empire Civil War Roundtable that is meeting monthly.
The next meeting will be held Feb. 1 at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake. The meeting starts at 6:15 p.m. There is no charge.
Phil Smoley
Lakeport
