Lincoln & the Border States

Definition

Lincoln & the Border States refers to President Abraham Lincoln's strategies to maintain the loyalty of the border states during the Civil War, which were slave states that remained in the Union. These states, including Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware, were crucial for the Union’s military and economic resources. Lincoln’s policies aimed to prevent these states from seceding while also balancing the complex issues of slavery and loyalty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln understood that losing the border states would significantly weaken the Union both strategically and economically.
2. He often emphasized a message of unity and loyalty to persuade border state leaders and citizens to remain with the Union.
3. Lincoln was cautious about pushing for emancipation too quickly in these states, fearing it could drive them to secede.
4. The military presence in these states was heightened to deter any potential secessionist movements and maintain order.
5. Lincoln's careful diplomacy helped keep these vital border states from joining the Confederacy, which ultimately contributed to the Union's success.

Review Questions

• How did Lincoln's approach to the border states reflect his overall strategy during the Civil War?
  • Lincoln's approach to the border states was characterized by a mix of diplomacy and military presence, which illustrated his broader strategy of preserving the Union at all costs. He recognized that these states held critical geographic and economic advantages and could not afford to lose them. By maintaining their loyalty through careful messaging and federal support, Lincoln aimed to strengthen the Union's position while carefully navigating the complex issues surrounding slavery.
• Evaluate how Lincoln balanced his views on slavery with the need to maintain control over the border states.
  • Lincoln faced a significant challenge in balancing his moral opposition to slavery with the political necessity of keeping the border states in line. While he personally believed in ending slavery, he was strategic about how quickly he pushed for emancipation in these states, fearing it could lead to their secession. His initial focus was on preserving the Union and preventing further division, which led him to adopt a cautious approach regarding slavery in these crucial areas until he felt stronger about the overall Union cause.
• Analyze how Lincoln's policies towards the border states influenced the outcome of the Civil War.
  • Lincoln's policies towards the border states were instrumental in shaping the course of the Civil War by ensuring that vital resources and manpower remained loyal to the Union. His ability to keep Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware in the fold prevented significant strategic advantages for the Confederacy. Furthermore, by managing these states' delicate balance between loyalty and slavery, Lincoln set a precedent that allowed for gradual changes in policy regarding emancipation, ultimately leading to actions like the Emancipation Proclamation that helped redefine the war's purpose and galvanize support for Union victory.

Related terms

Emancipation Proclamation:

A presidential decree issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declaring the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory.

Union:

The term used to refer to the Northern states during the Civil War, which were loyal to the federal government and opposed secession.

Secession:

The act of formally withdrawing from an organization or alliance; in this context, it refers to the Southern states leaving the Union prior to and during the Civil War.