Between the Andrew Jackson & Abraham Lincoln Presidencies 1837-1861
Whigs Become Republicans
In the 1850’s the compromising Democrats and Whigs were busy enacting freedoms for the states that would subdue the southerners who were hoping to occupy the newly acquired territories where there was un-depleted soil and had become fully aggressive about the issue (UOG). The Northern “Whigs” (of the Protestant and Parliamentary way of things back in England), realizing slavery was not remaining “quarantined” to the south (UOG), broke off and joined the anti-slavery Republican Party; while the southern Whigs joined other parties like the nativist American Party.
After completing his congressional service in 1849, Abraham (who had been a Whig) resumed his law practice but then returned in 1854 following the Taylor -(Whig) presentation of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and fugitive slave law. Then there was President Pierce’s later signing of the law (millercenter.org), which was in direct opposition to the federal goal of keeping slavery illegal and eventually bringing non-federal slavery to a close – and had so angered the Northerners that Civil War became a main discussion on the table. Realizing the trend, Lincoln re-entered politics as a leader in the Republican Party.
Abe Lincoln – the Messianic President
Perhaps those who view the Civil War as the inevitable escalation of a particular type of ideology, may favorite President Lincoln over President Jackson; and individuals who feel differently, or that nonetheless – the situation may have been more judiciously defused, would favor Jackson. A spiritualist might perceive something like the attack on Fort Sumter – a direct cause of the war, as “karma” (if the act of violence was carried out in the interest of greed/for personal gain). Indeed spiritualism (or morality) seems to have had a great deal to do with abolition. And it may have been spiritualism guiding Lincoln in his actions; as when signing the Emancipation Proclamation he had said, “I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right, than I do in signing this paper.”
Written by: m.wilson
(including story inspiration by: David Tuan)