Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War: "A Trial of Principle and Faith"
This unique addition to Civil War literature examines the extensive influence Quaker belief and practice had on Lincoln's decisions relative to slavery, including his choice to emancipate the slaves.

An important contribution to Lincoln scholarship, this thought-provoking work argues that Abraham Lincoln and the Religious Society of Friends faced a similar dilemma: how to achieve emancipation without extending the bloodshed and hardship of war. Organized chronologically so readers can see changes in Lincoln's thinking over time, the book explores the congruence of the 16th president's relationship with Quaker belief and his political and religious thought on three specific issues: emancipation, conscientious objection, and the relief and education of freedmen.

Distinguishing between the reality of Lincoln's relationship with the Quakers and the mythology that has emerged over time, the book differs significantly from previous works in at least two ways. It shows how Lincoln skillfully navigated a relationship with one of the most vocal and politically active religious groups of the 19th century, and it documents the practical ways in which a shared belief in the "Doctrine of Necessity" affected the president's decisions. In addition to gaining new insights about Lincoln, readers will also come away from this book with a better understanding of Quaker positions on abolition and pacifism and a new appreciation for the Quaker contributions to the Union cause.

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Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War: "A Trial of Principle and Faith"
This unique addition to Civil War literature examines the extensive influence Quaker belief and practice had on Lincoln's decisions relative to slavery, including his choice to emancipate the slaves.

An important contribution to Lincoln scholarship, this thought-provoking work argues that Abraham Lincoln and the Religious Society of Friends faced a similar dilemma: how to achieve emancipation without extending the bloodshed and hardship of war. Organized chronologically so readers can see changes in Lincoln's thinking over time, the book explores the congruence of the 16th president's relationship with Quaker belief and his political and religious thought on three specific issues: emancipation, conscientious objection, and the relief and education of freedmen.

Distinguishing between the reality of Lincoln's relationship with the Quakers and the mythology that has emerged over time, the book differs significantly from previous works in at least two ways. It shows how Lincoln skillfully navigated a relationship with one of the most vocal and politically active religious groups of the 19th century, and it documents the practical ways in which a shared belief in the "Doctrine of Necessity" affected the president's decisions. In addition to gaining new insights about Lincoln, readers will also come away from this book with a better understanding of Quaker positions on abolition and pacifism and a new appreciation for the Quaker contributions to the Union cause.

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Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War:

Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War: "A Trial of Principle and Faith"

by William C. Kashatus
Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War:

Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War: "A Trial of Principle and Faith"

by William C. Kashatus

Hardcover

$55.00 
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Overview

This unique addition to Civil War literature examines the extensive influence Quaker belief and practice had on Lincoln's decisions relative to slavery, including his choice to emancipate the slaves.

An important contribution to Lincoln scholarship, this thought-provoking work argues that Abraham Lincoln and the Religious Society of Friends faced a similar dilemma: how to achieve emancipation without extending the bloodshed and hardship of war. Organized chronologically so readers can see changes in Lincoln's thinking over time, the book explores the congruence of the 16th president's relationship with Quaker belief and his political and religious thought on three specific issues: emancipation, conscientious objection, and the relief and education of freedmen.

Distinguishing between the reality of Lincoln's relationship with the Quakers and the mythology that has emerged over time, the book differs significantly from previous works in at least two ways. It shows how Lincoln skillfully navigated a relationship with one of the most vocal and politically active religious groups of the 19th century, and it documents the practical ways in which a shared belief in the "Doctrine of Necessity" affected the president's decisions. In addition to gaining new insights about Lincoln, readers will also come away from this book with a better understanding of Quaker positions on abolition and pacifism and a new appreciation for the Quaker contributions to the Union cause.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781440833199
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 09/16/2014
Pages: 208
Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

William C. Kashatus, PhD, is a historian, educator, and writer. A product of and former teacher in Philadelphia's Quaker schools, his published works include ABC-CLIO's Harriet Tubman: A Biography.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Antislavery Kinship, 1861 9

Chapter 2 Justifying Emancipation, 1862 39

Chapter 3 Trials of War, 1863 71

Chapter 4 Redemption, 1864-1865 97

Conclusion 119

Notes 127

Selected Bibliography 165

Index 175

What People are Saying About This

Harold Holzer

"This is a fascinating look at an intriguing, long neglected subject—how Abraham Lincoln sought counsel and inspiration from the anti-war Quakers in the midst of the bloodiest war in world history."

James M. McPherson

"Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War is a balanced treatment of Abraham Lincoln's relationship with the Society of Friends, showing his respect for and attention to the Quaker delegations that came to talk with him during the Civil War."

Linda B. Selleck

"Kashatus brings fresh insights into the interior life of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and shows that Quaker-established schools for free blacks were outstanding and necessary models for the work of Reconstruction that lay ahead."

Max L. Carter

"William Kashatus's Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War is an excellent piece of historical writing by an author who has deep insight into American Quakers. He offers fascinating insights into Lincoln's presidency, his anguish, and his spirituality while also illuminating a little-known aspect of the Great Emancipator's own fascination with Quakers."

Hugh Barbour

"I believe strongly in the message of this thorough study. In addition to their warm and practical interactions; Abraham Lincoln, the British, and the American Quakers experienced the same divine calling for the nation to become a people unified by the pain, doubts, and the depression of war."

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