Lincoln as a president after the war was probably exhausted. He had led his country through war against their fellow countrymen and brought them out the other side. This event probably defined the rest of his life as he struggled with it. Guezlo writes, "toward the larger, more haunting, question of the war's meaning"(415). He is wise enough to realize the war is not close to being over. The bottom half of the country hates his guts, and he has to somehow convince them to reunite. Much like World War 2, Lincoln knew he had to lay the blame on everybody, so as not to cause resentment. Guezlo writes "The north and South were to be weighed and judged in spite of the seeming moral superiority of slavery's opponents"(418). He continue to make the right decision and follow his own guidance, as the evils of the world try and drag him down to their level. This perserverance of true ideals is why he is celebrated today.
This transformation was speeded up by his untimely death. After he got assasinated by John Wilkes Booth he quickly aquired the sympathy of the entire country. He was eulogized as " one of the most faultless examples of true manhood even prominently exhibited to the world"(440). This beautiful speech speaks wonders of how the country had grown to love and honor the president who had led the country to war. They realize that he did make the right decisions, and so they recognized it. Insterestingly, " And almost irresitably, he was compared to Jesus Christ"(440). This claim is truly remarkable, and made even more so by the fact we were a very Christian nation. They had elevated him to the highest statues they could think of, as they thought he truly belonged on the highest pedestal out there.
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4 comments:
I find it really amazing that we deitize people after they die, like George Washington and many others. I think that although presidents do great things, and Lincoln did bring our nation together and ended slavery, many people don't remember that everybody is just human.
It is interesting to think whether or not Lincoln's assassination helped his cause or not. His death made him a martyr and gained him respect with a lot of people.
I think that it is interesting that John wilkes booth was trying to throw the country back into turmoil by killing the president, but he actually brought it closer together. Also because of his death president lincoln was immemorilized in this nation's memorys.
I can see how lincoln being assassinated can actually help our nation become one again. It sealed lincoln forever as a hero and a symbol of freedom, responsibility, and moral values; things everyone can appreciate.
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