“Lincoln’s Wrath: Fierce Mobs, Brilliant Scoundrels and a President’s Mission to Destroy the Press” by Jeffrey Manber and Neil Dahlstrom explores a lesser-known aspect of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency: his efforts to suppress dissent and control the press during the Civil War. This book sheds light on the tension between Lincoln’s leadership and the First Amendment, emphasizing the challenges of balancing national security and freedom of speech in times of conflict.
Overview:
“Lincoln’s Wrath” is set against the backdrop of the Civil War, when the country was divided, and Lincoln was tasked with preserving the Union. The book examines how Lincoln, often revered as a champion of democracy, made decisions that restricted civil liberties in order to maintain control over the narrative during a time of intense national crisis. Specifically, it focuses on his administration’s efforts to suppress opposition newspapers and punish critics of his war policies.
Key Themes and Details:
Suppression of the Press:
- The book highlights how Lincoln and his administration targeted newspapers that were critical of the war and his policies. The press at the time was highly partisan, and Lincoln’s critics, particularly from Democratic-leaning newspapers in the North, voiced strong opposition to his handling of the war and his stance on issues like slavery.
- Lincoln’s administration arrested editors, shut down newspapers, and suspended the writ of habeas corpus to silence dissent. The authors argue that while Lincoln may have had good intentions—protecting the Union and ensuring national security—his methods were extreme and encroached upon fundamental civil liberties.
The Case of Francis Key Howard:
- One of the key narratives in the book is the arrest of Francis Key Howard, the editor of the Baltimore newspaper The Exchange, who was critical of Lincoln’s war policies. Howard was the grandson of Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Ironically, Howard was imprisoned in Fort McHenry, the very place where Key had witnessed the battle that inspired the national anthem.
- Howard’s arrest, without trial, is emblematic of Lincoln’s broader efforts to quash dissent. The book uses Howard’s story to explore the tension between Lincoln’s desire to protect the Union and the sacrifices made in terms of individual rights and press freedom.
The Role of Mobs and Public Opinion:
- “Lincoln’s Wrath” also delves into the role of mobs and public opinion during the Civil War. The authors discuss how mobs, often spurred by political passions and Lincoln’s critics, attacked newspaper offices and intimidated journalists who supported the Union or Lincoln’s policies.
- The influence of public sentiment—often volatile and divided—is a central theme in the book, as it shaped Lincoln’s decisions and the broader political landscape. The book paints a picture of a country in chaos, where passions ran high on both sides of the war.
Lincoln’s Justification:
- The authors explore how Lincoln justified his actions by appealing to the greater good of preserving the Union. Lincoln believed that, in times of war, extraordinary measures were necessary, even if they conflicted with constitutional protections like freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
- While Lincoln is often viewed as a champion of democracy, the book paints a more complex picture of a leader who was willing to set aside certain democratic ideals in order to save the country. Lincoln’s actions raise questions about the balance between security and liberty, a debate that continues in modern times.
Brilliant Scoundrels:
- The subtitle of the book refers to the various colorful characters—politicians, journalists, and public figures—who played roles in this story. The authors provide detailed accounts of the personal and political motivations of these figures, showing how both sides of the conflict (Lincoln’s supporters and critics) used the press and public opinion as tools of influence and power.
Historical Context and Modern Relevance:
- The book not only focuses on the historical events of the Civil War but also draws parallels to contemporary debates about freedom of the press, executive power, and civil liberties during times of national emergency. The authors make the case that Lincoln’s struggles with the press offer valuable lessons for understanding the limits of presidential power and the importance of maintaining democratic norms, even in crises.
Conclusion:
“Lincoln’s Wrath” offers a detailed examination of Abraham Lincoln’s complex relationship with the press and civil liberties during the Civil War. By focusing on stories like the imprisonment of Francis Key Howard and the suppression of anti-war newspapers, the book sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Lincoln’s presidency. It challenges readers to reconsider Lincoln’s legacy in the context of his efforts to balance national security with individual freedoms, offering a nuanced portrayal of a leader navigating one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
For readers interested in the intersection of free speech, press freedom, and executive power, “Lincoln’s Wrath” provides a thought-provoking exploration of these themes through the lens of Lincoln’s wartime leadership.
