Double Helix: Blueprint of Nations
Welcome to 'Double Helix: Blueprint of Nations,' the podcast where we analyze and look at the events, people and actions that have shaped the nations of our world . From revolutions to treaties, conflicts to triumphs, we explore the historical blueprints that continue to influence the way nations think and act today.
Double Helix: Blueprint of Nations
The American Civil War: The Rail Splitter (Part 4)
What if the path to greatness begins in the most unassuming places? This episode of Double Helix Blueprint of Nations promises to reveal the extraordinary journey of Abraham Lincoln from a Kentucky log cabin to the highest office in the land. Join us as we explore how a self-taught lawyer, bolstered by his stepmother Sarah Bush Johnston's support and inspired by Henry Clay's American System, navigated early American politics. Discover the compelling stories behind Lincoln's formative years, early jobs, and notable courtroom triumphs that laid the foundation for his legal and political career. Plus, gain insights into his marriage to Mary Todd, a partnership uniquely combining social prowess with humble roots.
Lincoln's ascent to the presidency during the 1860 election became a story of strategy, division, and destiny as the nation stood on the precipice of disunion. Learn how the fractured Democratic Party and the burgeoning Republican Party set the stage for his unexpected victory, despite a lack of Southern support. We'll dissect Lincoln's cautious yet firm reactions to the secession of seven states and the formation of the Confederacy under Jefferson Davis. This episode unpacks the complexities of a nation on the brink of the Civil War, revealing how Lincoln's leadership began to shape the course of American history. Tune in for an episode rich with historical intrigue and profound lessons on resilience and leadership.
Like, Share, and Follow, Wherever you get your podcasts!
Twitter: @HistoryHelix
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Doublehelixhistory
Instagram: History_Helix
Email: DoubleHelixHistorypodcast@gmail.com
Welcome to Double Helix Blueprint of Nations, season 2, episode 2.4, the Rail Splitter. Welcome back to Double Helix Blueprint of Nations. When we last left off, the bloody decade had set the stage for what was to come. John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry and his subsequent execution brought the 1850s to a close, leaving the nation teetering on the brink of an all-out war. Today, we shift our focus to one of the most pivotal figures in American history Abraham Lincoln. How did a relatively unknown lawyer from Illinois rise to the presidency at such a critical time, and how did his election trigger the secession of the southern states? Before we dive into the events of 1860, let's take a step back and get to know the man who would become the 16th president of the United States.
Speaker 1:Abraham Lincoln's story begins in the most humble of circumstances. Born on February 12, 1809, in a small log cabin in Hardin County, kentucky, lincoln's early life was far from the grandeur one might expect for a future president. His family lived on the frontier, a rough and unforgiving place that demanded hard work and perseverance. The Lincolns were not wealthy. They scratched out a living through subsistence, farming and odd jobs, moving frequently in search of better opportunities. The young Lincoln's formal education was sparse, amounting to less than a year in total. Schools were few and far in between, and his family could not afford to send him away for schooling. But what he lacked in formal education, lincoln made up for in a relentless pursuit of knowledge. He was an avid reader, often walking miles to borrow books. He devoured works like the Bible, aesop's Fables and Shakespeare, forming the foundation of his self-education.
Speaker 1:In 1816, when Lincoln was just seven years old, his family moved to Indiana. 1816, when Lincoln was just seven years old, his family moved to Indiana. Here, tragedy struck early when his mother, nancy Hank Lincoln, died of milk sickness in 1818. This loss profoundly affected young Abraham, but it also marked the beginning of his lifelong resilience in the face of hardships. His father remarried the following year to Sarah Bush Johnston, a kind woman who encouraged Lincoln's love for reading and learning. As Lincoln grew, so did his ambition. At the age of 21, the family moved again, this time to Illinois. It was here that Lincoln truly began to carve out his path. He worked various jobs splitting rails for fences, piloting a flatboat down the Mississippi, running a general store and serving even as a postmaster. These early jobs, though humble, helped Lincoln develop a deep understanding of the ordinary life of Americans and their struggles.
Speaker 1:In 1832, lincoln took his first steps into public life, running for the Illinois State Legislature. He lost his first election but won a seat two years later, representing Sangamon County as a member of the Whig Party. Lincoln's political philosophy was influenced heavily by our old friend Henry Clay, the Whig leader who advocated for economic modernization and infrastructure improvements, known as the American system. During his time in the Illinois state legislature, lincoln honed his skills in debate and lawmaking. He became known for his logical arguments and his ability to connect with common people. For his logical arguments and his ability to connect with common people. Lincoln's commitment to self-improvement and public service drove him to study law on his own. He obtained his law license in 1836 and moved to Springfield, illinois, to practice law as a lawyer. Lincoln's reputation grew. He was known for his honesty, earning the nickname Honest Abe. He handled a wide range of cases, from property disputes to criminal defense, and traveled the circuit courts, gaining valuable experience and making connections throughout the state. His legal career allowed him to refine his reasoning, persuasion and public speaking skills, qualities that would serve him well in his political career.
Speaker 1:A good story that speaks of Lincoln's approach, which plays common sense and humanity ahead of other considerations is the story of the case of Jack Armstrong in 1858. In the mid-1830s, lincoln became friends with a man named Jack Armstrong, the leader of a local group of rowdy young men known as the Clary's Grove Boys. Despite their rough reputation, lincoln earned their respect through his strength and integrity. It is here that it is reputed that Lincoln got into wrestling matches Years later. This friendship would put Lincoln in a position to pay it forward. This friendship would put Lincoln in a position to pay it forward.
Speaker 1:In 1858, armstrong's son, william Duff Armstrong, was accused of murdering a man named James Metzger during a drunken brawl. The evidence against Duff was strong and it seemed certain he would be convicted and face the death penalty. Jacques Armstrong had passed away by this time and Dove's mother, hannah Armstrong, desperate to save her son, turned to Lincoln for help. Lincoln agreed to defend Dove Armstrong pro bono, driven by his loyalty to the Armstrong family and his belief in Dove's innocence. The trial took place in Beardstown, illinois, and it was here that Lincoln's sharp mind and innovative approach to law came to the forefront. The prosecution's case hinged on the testimony of Charles Allen, who claimed he had seen Duff strike Metzger, with his lung shot by the light of the moon high in the sky, cross-examined Allen and then presented an 1857 almanac to the court, which showed that on the night in question the moon was low on the horizon and not providing enough light for Allen to have seen what he claimed. This revelation dramatically undermined the prosecution's case, and Lincoln's meticulous preparation and clever use of the almanac swayed the jury. Duff Armstrong was acquitted and the courtroom erupted in relief and gratitude. Lincoln was, after all, a practical and reasonable man who stuck to his convictions even against insurmountable odds.
Speaker 1:Lincoln's personal life also took shape during the period. In 1842, he married Mary Todd, a well-educated woman from a prominent Kentucky family. Despite their differing backgrounds and personalities, the marriage was a pivotal partnership in Lincoln's life. Mary's social ambition and political savvy complemented Lincoln's humble roots and legal acumen, providing him with a stable home life and a strong support system. Lincoln's early political career included a single term in the US House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849. During this time in Congress, he opposed the Mexican-American War, viewing it as an unjust conflict aimed at expanding slave territories. This stance was unpopular in his home state and he decided not to seek re-election. After his term, lincoln returned to Springfield to resume his law practice, stepping away from the national political scene but remaining active in local and state politics.
Speaker 1:The 1850s brought a new urgency to the issue of slavery, as we've seen. The 1850s brought a new urgency to the issue of slavery, as we've seen, and Lincoln found himself drawn back into the political arena. His moderate stance on slavery evolved, driven by his belief in the moral wrongness of the institution and the threat that it posed to the Union. Now you've heard in our last episode how the 1850s were a period where it seemed as if the country was coming apart every few weeks, and so, as the nation edged closer to division, lincoln's dedication to preserving the Union and his growing prominence in the newly formed Republican Party would chart his rise to the presidency. Lincoln's rise wasn't overnight. It was a testament to perseverance and strategic thinking. Picture it the rail splitter from the backwoods, a self-taught lawyer, onto the national stage. It's the kind of story Americans love, a tale of grit and determination.
Speaker 1:Lincoln's national political career began to gain traction with the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858. Began to gain traction with the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858. These debates were a series of seven face-offs between Lincoln and Stephen A Douglas, the incumbent senator from Illinois. As they campaigned for the Illinois Senate seat, douglas, a formidable public speaker and proponent of popular sovereignty, argued that territories should decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. Lincoln, however, delivered his now-famous House Divided Speech, declaring that the nation could not endure permanently half-slave and half-free. He said, a house divided against itself cannot stand. The debates drew national attention and were extensively covered in the press. Although Lincoln lost the Senate race, he gained a significant following for his articulate stance against the expansion of slavery. His performance in the debates propelled him into the national spotlight, making him a viable candidate for the presidency in 1860.
Speaker 1:The Lincoln-Douglas debates were a microcosm of the national debate over slavery, held in seven different Illinois towns, they attracted massive crowds and transcripts were widely published in newspapers across the country. The format was intense. Each debate lasted three hours, with one candidate speaking for 60 minutes, the other responding for 90 minutes and the first candidate getting a 30-minute rebuttal. This gave Lincoln a substantial platform to present his ideas and challenge Douglass directly. In the first debate at Ottawa, lincoln attacked Douglass' popular sovereignty doctrine, arguing that it could not resolve the moral issue of slavery. He skillfully highlighted the contradictions in Douglass' stance, pointing out that allowing territories to choose slavery, essentially made it a national issue. Douglass in turn painted Lincoln as a radical who threatened the Union by opposing the Dred Scott decision. At the Freeport debate, lincoln cornered Douglas with a question that became known as the Freeport Doctrine. Lincoln asked whether the people of a territory could exclude slavery, despite the Supreme Court's ruling in Dred Scott. Douglas replied that they could, by refusing to pass laws necessary for slavery's protection. This answer helped Douglas retain his Senate seat but alienated Southern Democrats, weakening his chances for the presidency.
Speaker 1:The debates continued to escalate in intensity. In Charleston, Lincoln took a firm stance declaring I protest against the counterfeit logic which concludes that because I do not want a black woman for a slave, I must necessarily want her for a wife. He emphasized the moral and economic arguments against slavery's expansion, distancing himself from the radical abolitionist label, while appealing to a broader audience. Appealing to a broader audience. So let me point out that quote. There would be, how do you say, racist by 21st century standards? But at the time, as I said, it proved Lincoln wasn't a radical and that was important for his electability. People of that time were generally racist. However, lincoln, among the racists, was probably of the better kind, if you could say that, in Galesburg, lincoln struck a chord by questioning the moral integrity of a nation that tolerated slavery. He argued that the institution of slavery was fundamentally at odds with the Declaration of Independence's assertion that all men are created equal. This position resonated with many Northerners who, while not necessarily abolitionists, were uncomfortable with the spread of slavery.
Speaker 1:By the time the debates reached Alton, the final face-off, lincoln had established himself as a formidable opponent to Douglass. He spoke passionately about the need to limit the spread of slavery, framing it as a battle for the soul of the nation. Douglass continued to defend popular sovereignty and state rights, but Lincoln's moral clarity and eloquence left a lasting impression on the electorate. The debates solidified Lincoln's reputation as a powerful and principled speaker, capable of articulating the complex issues surrounding slavery in a way that resonated with the public. Although he lost the Senate race to Douglass, the debates elevated Lincoln to national prominence. Newspapers across the country reprinted the debates, making Lincoln a household name. Reprinted the debates making Lincoln a household name.
Speaker 1:His performance impressed the Republican Party leaders, who saw him as a candidate who could unite the diverse factions of their party and appeal to a wide range of voters. We talked about the formation of the Republican Party. It was formed in 1854 in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and it was a coalition of anti-slavery Whigs, free-soilers and disaffected Democrats. By the time the 1860 election came about, the party sought a candidate who could appeal to a broad spectrum of Northern voters. Lincoln, with his moderate views and compelling personal story, fit the bill perfectly. And, by the way, no, the party of 1854 is not the Republican Party of today, which is also true for the Democratic Party. By the way, maybe at some point I'll do a season on political parties and how they've affected their respective countries. So there's an idea.
Speaker 1:Anyway, the 1860 Republican National Convention was held in Chicago. Lincoln's supporters worked tirelessly to secure his nomination, employing savvy political tactics such as printing and distributing thousands of copies of Lincoln's speeches and biographies. It was a masterclass in grassroots politicking. In grassroots politicking, lincoln's main rivals in the nomination were William H Seward, salmon P Chase and Edward Bates, all of whom had more national recognition. However, lincoln's team skillfully portrayed him as the more moderate choice, less likely to alienate swing voters in crucial states. After multiple ballots, lincoln emerged as a compromised candidate, securing the nomination to the delight of his supporters. In contrast, the Democratic Party was deeply divided. Northern Democrats nominated Stephen Douglas, while Southern Democrats, who had walked out of the convention in protest, nominated John C Breckinridge. A third candidate, john Bell, ran on the Constitutional Union ticket, appealing to moderates in the border states.
Speaker 1:The election of 1860 was unlike any other in American history. The nation was on the brink and every vote seemed to carry the weight of the future. Lincoln's platform was clear. He opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, but he was not calling for the immediate abolition of slavery in states where it already existed. This nuanced position allowed him to appeal to a broad coalition of voters. Lincoln's campaign strategy was equally shrewd. He focused on the northern states where he believed his message would resonate most strongly. His campaign literature emphasized his humble origins and his commitment to liberty and equality. Lincoln himself did not actively campaign In fact, no politicians did at the time but his supporters canvassed tirelessly on his behalf. On his behalf.
Speaker 1:On election day, lincoln won a decisive victory, capturing 180 of the 303 electoral votes and about 40% of the popular vote. His support was almost entirely from the North. He did not even appear on the ballot in most Southern states. The South viewed his election as an existential threat, a clear signal that their way of life was about to be over, and by way of life read slavery, which, in case there is any doubt left by now, was the driving engine of Southern economy and society.
Speaker 1:Lincoln's rise from the backwoods of Illinois to the presidency as such a critical juncture is one of the most compelling stories in American history. His election, seen by many as a turning point, was rhetorical spark for the conflict that would tear the nation apart. The man from Illinois, with his deep-set eyes and resolute demeanor was about to lead the country through its most challenging and transformative period. Yet by the time the election results of 1860 rolled in, the South was in a full-blown panic. It was as if the North had elected Satan himself to the White House. The news that Abraham Lincoln, a man whose name was synonymous with anti-slavery sentiment, had been elected president since shockwaves throughout the southern states.
Speaker 1:South Carolina, always eager to lead the charge in any act of defiance, was the first to leap into the secession pool. On December 20, 1860, their convention declared that the Union was dissolved. South Carolina's Declaration of Secession was a document steeped in the defense of slavery, they wrote. A geographical line has been drawn across the Union and all the states north of that line have united in the election of a man to the high office of President of the United States whose opinions and purposes are hostile to slavery. This declaration wasn't just a tempest in a teapot. South Carolina's secession set off a chain reaction. By February 1861, six more states followed suit Mississippi, florida, alabama, Georgia, louisiana and Texas. Each state issued its own declaration and each of these declarations echoed the sentiment that the preservation of slavery was the primary motive for secession. Mississippi's declaration stated bluntly Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery, the greatest material interest of the world.
Speaker 1:The secession dominoes were falling faster than anyone in the North could react to. A new Confederate States of America was taking shape, with Jefferson Davis, the former US Senator from Mississippi, elected as his president. Davis, with his military background and staunch support for slavery, seemed the perfect man to lead his nation. Support for slavery seemed the perfect man to lead his nascent nation. Lincoln, still president-elect and not yet in office, watched these developments with a mixture of concern and determination. He was walking a tightrope, trying to balance the preservation of the Union with a growing realization that compromise was becoming less and less possible. His public statements were careful, measured. He reiterated his position that he had no intention to interfere with slavery when it already existed, but he was firm in his opposition to its expansion. This, of course, did little to calm the South's fear. They had heard enough. They believed Lincoln's presidency meant the end of their world.
Speaker 1:The speed of secession caught many in the North off guard. In those days before instant communication, news traveled slower and the magnitude of the crisis took time to sink in. But once it did, the reality was stark. The Union was unraveling. The debates in Congress became increasingly heated, with Southern representatives making dramatic exits to join their state's new government. The sense of an impending conflict grew by the day. The fledging Confederacy, meanwhile, wasn't just sitting around hoping things would blow over. They were taking decisive steps to establish their government and military. They seized federal properties, forts and arsenals within their borders, making it clear that they meant business. The North saw these actions as rebellious and treasonous, while the South viewed them as necessary measures to protect their sovereignty. And if you're wondering, yes, there was an American president in charge, president Buchanan, generally considered one of the worst presidents in American history and a man who generally stood idly by as the South seceded and took federal property.
Speaker 1:As Lincoln prepared for his presidency, the nation was on the edge of chaos. His election had set off a chain reaction that saw seven southern states secede from the Union. Even before he took office, despite the mounting crisis, lincoln remained resolute. He embarked on a whistle-stop tour from Springfield, illinois, to Washington DC, making numerous beaches along the way. His journey was fraught with danger. Rumors of assassination, plus swirl, prompted heightened security measures. In Baltimore, he even had to sneak through the city under the cover of darkness. Talk about a dramatic entrance to the nation's capital. Finally, on March 4th 1861, lincoln stood on the steps of the Capitol to deliver his inaugural address.
Speaker 1:Lincoln stood on the steps of the Capitol to deliver his inaugural address With the unfinished dome of the Capitol building looming above him, a fitting metaphor for a nation under construction. He spoke to a divided country. His speech aimed to reassure the South, while maintaining a firm stance on the preservation of the Union. Lincoln declared I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the states where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so and I have no inclination to do so. He emphasized that his primary goal was to preserve the Union and he made an impassioned plea for peace, urging his fellow Americans to remember the bonds that united them. He said we are not enemies but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. Despite his conciliatory words, lincoln made it clear that he could not tolerate secession he vowed to. Lincoln's commitment to preserving the Union was unwavering, but he also left the door open for reconciliation, hoping that the Southern states would return peacefully. Lincoln concluded his address with an appeal to the better angels of American nature, hoping to inspire unity in the face of impending conflict. His speech was a masterful blend of firmness and compassion, but it was also a stark reminder of the perilous road ahead.
Speaker 1:The inauguration marked the beginning of one of the most challenging presidencies in American history. Lincoln's calm demeanor and eloquent words masked the storm brewing just over the horizon. The stage was set, the actors were in place and the nation stood on the brink of a war that would redefine its very soul. As we close this chapter on Lincoln's rise to the presidency, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture. The Confederate states are rallying and the Union is steeling itself for the inevitable confrontation. For Sumter looms on the horizon, a flashpoint that will ignite the powder keg of the Civil War. Next time, on Double Helix, we'll delve into the year of 1861, a year of profound transformation and unyielding conflict for America. We'll explore the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the rapid escalation of hostilities and the nation's descent into a brutal and bloody war. Join us next time for Part 5 of our series on the American Civil War A House Divided. Thank you for listening and we'll see you soon.
