“The Unpopular Mr. Lincoln: The Story of America’s Most Reviled President” by Larry Tagg provides an in-depth exploration of how Abraham Lincoln, revered today as one of America’s greatest presidents, was deeply unpopular during his time in office. Tagg examines the extreme political and social opposition Lincoln faced from both sides of the political spectrum during the Civil War era.
Overview and Central Thesis:
The central argument of Tagg’s book is that Abraham Lincoln was one of the most disliked and criticized presidents in American history during his time in office. Despite his reputation today as a symbol of unity and leadership, Lincoln’s presidency was marked by intense criticism, vitriol, and opposition from various groups, including politicians, the press, and even members of his own cabinet. Tagg argues that Lincoln’s legacy as a beloved figure was only cemented after his assassination and the conclusion of the Civil War.
Key Themes and Details:
The Depth of Lincoln’s Unpopularity:
- Tagg documents the widespread unpopularity of Lincoln, showing that opposition came not only from the Confederacy and Southern sympathizers but also from factions within the Union, including abolitionists, moderate Republicans, Democrats, and radical Republicans.
- Lincoln was portrayed as weak, indecisive, and even tyrannical by his critics. His political opponents in the North accused him of violating the Constitution, especially with measures like suspending habeas corpus and other wartime actions.
Political Opposition from All Sides:
- Radical Republicans: Tagg details how radical Republicans, such as Thaddeus Stevens, often believed Lincoln was too slow and cautious in ending slavery and prosecuting the war. They pushed for harsher measures against the South and criticized Lincoln for his moderate approach.
- Democrats and Copperheads: Democrats, particularly the faction known as Copperheads, accused Lincoln of overstepping his constitutional authority and opposed the Emancipation Proclamation. Many Northern Democrats were against the war, seeing it as an unnecessary conflict.
- Abolitionists: Even abolitionists who supported the end of slavery were often critical of Lincoln, viewing him as too reluctant to take bold steps toward emancipation.
Lincoln’s Relationship with the Media:
- The book provides a detailed examination of how Lincoln was vilified by the press. Newspapers at the time, including prominent Northern papers, often published harsh critiques of the president. Political cartoons and editorials depicted Lincoln in unflattering ways, portraying him as a bumbling and ineffective leader.
- Tagg explains how newspapers often reflected the sentiments of the public, and during the war years, many were highly critical of Lincoln’s handling of the conflict.
Social and Public Criticism:
- Tagg explores how Lincoln was viewed by the public at large, many of whom considered him to be ill-suited for the presidency. He was often ridiculed for his appearance, his folksy manner of speaking, and his perceived lack of sophistication compared to his political opponents.
- Letters, speeches, and public statements from various individuals during the time illustrate the deep mistrust and dislike that many Americans felt toward Lincoln throughout his presidency.
Lincoln’s Leadership Style and Challenges:
- Despite the overwhelming criticism, Tagg argues that Lincoln remained steadfast in his leadership and exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of such opposition. His ability to manage competing factions within his own party and the Union at large, while also fighting a war, is explored in great detail.
- Lincoln’s pragmatic approach to leadership, his political acumen, and his ability to navigate difficult circumstances are presented as key factors in his eventual success.
The Assassination and Posthumous Transformation:
- Tagg explains how Lincoln’s assassination led to an almost immediate transformation of his reputation. After his death, Lincoln became a martyr, and many of his critics softened their views or were forgotten over time. His legacy was reshaped in the decades following the war, becoming one of national unity and greatness.
The Irony of Lincoln’s Legacy:
- The irony that Tagg explores is how Lincoln, who was so disliked during his presidency, became one of the most revered figures in American history. The book contrasts the intense vitriol of his contemporaries with the nearly universal acclaim he enjoys today.
Conclusion and Reflection:
“The Unpopular Mr. Lincoln” challenges the modern understanding of Lincoln by providing a nuanced look at the severe criticism he faced during his presidency. Larry Tagg emphasizes that Lincoln’s leadership was far from universally admired in his time, and that his path to becoming one of the most celebrated American figures was anything but straightforward. The book highlights the political, social, and media landscapes of the Civil War era, offering readers a deep understanding of how Lincoln’s legacy was shaped by the historical moment in which he governed.
For readers interested in the complexities of Lincoln’s presidency, the nature of political leadership during wartime, and the ways in which public opinion can shift over time, this book offers a rich, detailed account of Lincoln’s struggle to lead a divided nation.
