Review of A New Birth of Freedom: Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War by Harry V. Jaffa

Through a careful consideration of what Jaffa writes about Lincoln it will be possible to elucidate the importance of Lincoln's scholarly predilections to the development of modern democracy and government.

Critically reviewing the contents of Jaffa's book, it becomes clear that the first real examination of Lincoln's scholarly nature comes when Jaffa considers Lincoln's assessment and criticism of the declaration of independence. Jaffa notes that in his review of the Declaration of Independence Lincoln made the following observations: "the Declaration meant to establish a standard maxim for free society that although never perfectly attained might yet be constantly approximated thereby augmenting the happiness and value of life to all men everywhere."[1] Clearly what this sentiment elucidates is the fact that Lincoln had both a theoretical and practical understanding of the basic tenets of the declaration of independence. Through his analysis, Lincoln was able to effectively understand that the altruistic goals outlined by the founding fathers had not been accomplished; yet Lincoln was optimistic that these goals would one day be achieved by society.

Jaffa goes on to argue that Lincoln's interpretation of the Declaration of Independence is what served as the basis for him to support the abolition of slavery. During this time period, Jaffa makes the argument that many individuals utilize the doctor and of the divine right of kings as a principle means for validating their use of slavery. According to Jaffa "It was a familiar saying of Abraham Lincoln that, 'although legume upon volume is written to prove slavery a very good thing, we never hear of a man who wishes to take the good at it, by selling a slave himself!"[2] Lincoln argued that the nature of masters and slaves could not be considered analogous to the nature of kings and servants. Thus, even though the divine right of kings was cited as a means to facilitate the continuation of slavery, Lincoln was able to effectively develop scholarly arguments which definitively demonstrated that slavery was in no way associated with the divine right of kings.

While the specific analysis provided by Jaffa with respect to Lincoln's interpretation of the declaration of independence clearly shows the ability of this president to critically examine the past work of philosophers and scholars, Jaffa's argument culminates in a review of the specific information provided by Lincoln during the Gettysburg address. According to Jaffa, through the utilization of the Gettysburg address Lincoln poses a timeless question that is both important for reflection but also difficult to answer: "is there, and all republics, this inherent and fatal weakness? Must the government, of necessity, be too strong for the liberties of its own people, or too weak to maintain its own existence?"[3] Jaffa contends that this is the central feature of the Gettysburg address and the most important question for society to answer.

Clearly, the portrayal of Abraham Lincoln as a philosopher and scholar is not one that has been widely explored in the context of the various autobiographies that have been written on this subject. To illustrate this point one only needs to consider Francis Fisher Browne and John Y. Simon's recent biography which chronicles the everyday life of Abraham Lincoln. In this text the authors cover a broad range of information that extends from Lincoln's birth to his death during his presidency. Although the authors provide a clear understanding of how Lincoln progressed through his education and scholarly development, the central focus of their text appears to be Lincoln's inadequacies in the context of social situations. The authors offer many reflections from third parties, which accurately portray a president that was not comfortable with his appearance, status or position:

On the present occasion the whiskers were reinforced by brand-new clothes from top to toe ; black dress coat, instead of the usual frock; black cloth or satin vest, black pantaloons, and a glossy hat evidently just out of the box. To cap the climax of novelty, he carried a huge ebony cane, with a gold head the size of an egg. In these, to him, strange habiliments, he looked so miserably uncomfortable that I could not help pitying him. Reaching the platform, his discomfort was visibly increased by not knowing what to do with hat and cane; and so he stood there, the target for ten thousand eyes, holding cane in one hand and hat in the other, the very picture of helplessness...[4]

Throughout their text, Browne and Simon reflect on Lincoln in the same manner. According to these authors it appears as if Lincoln grew and developed into his position more as a consequence of situation than actual attempts to become the leader of the United States. In reading this text, one gets the impression that Lincoln was an unwitting subject in the development of his own life.

Other writers examining Lincoln's life also appear to be quite preoccupied with Lincoln's ability to fit into his surroundings. Benjamin P. Thomas in his biography of Lincoln makes consistent observations about the President's physical appearance and behaviors. "Lincoln started his workday early, for he was a light and fitful sleeper, and sometimes walked alone across the White House lawn in the gray dawn to summon a newsboy. By eight o'clock, when breakfast was announced, he had already been at work for an hour or more. His morning meal consisted of an egg and a cup of coffee..."[5] These observations are an integral part of Thomas's work. It is as if the author is attempting to provide the reader with a realistic account of what it was like to be in the presence of Abraham Lincoln on a day-to-day basis. Thomas is so focused on the specific behaviors and actions of the president that many of the notable accomplishments achieved by the president are overlooked. In this context, one cannot help but feel as if the author has little regard for the contributions that Lincoln made to the development of society and the continuation of government.

In other works that consider the life of Abraham Lincoln, the former president is highly criticized for the image that he portrayed with respect to the life that he led. According to Einhorn, "Somewhat in contrast to the rigor, often elegance, of his logic, Lincoln portrayed himself as simple, humble, and unassuming. He projected himself as a poor man's son, an underdog, a humble person."[6] This author goes on to note however that Lincoln utilize this persona as a means to help his followers identify with him. Einhorn argues that Lincoln was not a man of humble dissent. Einhorn goes so far as to accuse Lincoln of not practicing what he preached. Einhorn contends that, for the most part, Lincoln's demeanor was fabricated simply as a means to make him a more appealing speaker.[7]

Neely in his examination of Lincoln's life and presidency makes the observation that through the course of his actions Lincoln established himself as a tyrant in the eyes and minds of many constituents.[8] Although Neely argues that Lincoln was not a tyrant or a dictator in any sense of the word he does argue that Lincoln's staunch adherence to the Constitution created considerable conflict when it came to negotiating problematic issues.[9] Neely maintains that Lincoln typically became rigid and inflexible in his attitudes and opinions, preferring to rely on to the strict interpretations provided by the Constitution.[10] Although it is possible that Lincoln was merely upholding his basic moral convictions, many policymakers found it difficult, if not impossible, to work with Lincoln in solving some of the nation's most critical problems. It is for this reason that Lincoln obtained his reputation as a tyrant and a dictator. It is this aspect of Lincoln's personality that Neely uses to base his analysis of the actions taken by Lincoln throughout the course of his life.

Finally, Belz in his review of the life of Abraham Lincoln examines the specific decisions made by the president in the context of Lincoln as a dictator. According to this author, "I refer to the convention that regards Abraham Lincoln not simply as a forceful war leader who demonstrated the vast power inherent in the presidency, but as a dictator, albeit in many accounts a benevolent and constitutional dictator. Lincoln, it is said, took the law into his own hands..." [11] Form this perspective it is clear that Lincoln is viewed as a rebel attempting to change both social and political discourse in the country. The analysis provided by Belz supports this assertion by demonstrating all of the ways in which Lincoln opposed popular thinking and chose his own path for the development of the United States.

Synthesizing all of the information that has been presented in this investigation, it becomes evident that the various portrayals of Abraham Lincoln that have been provided in scholarly discourse are notably different from one another. In some cases Lincoln is portrayed as a strict dictator that is virtually incapable of getting along with others around him. In other contexts Lincoln is portrayed as a strong supporter of his own moral agenda. In other contexts Lincoln is viewed as a human being who lived his life similar to the way that other people lived during this time. While it is fair to argue that each of these analyses are both interesting and compelling it is also fair to argue that few authors have considered the specific methods that Lincoln utilized in the process of decision making. In many cases it appears as if those examining Lincoln's life are quick to point out obvious personality or character deficits which served as the basis for Lincoln's decision-making processes.

When placed in this context, it becomes evident that many authors looking at Lincoln's life have attempted to create a biography based upon what they believe to be the most essential parts of this man's life. Although this may provide for provocative read material it does not appear to provide a fair and accurate picture of this historical figure. Abraham Lincoln was clearly a man motivated by more than just his moral convictions. Further given Lincoln's unassuming nature it is also reasonable to argue that Lincoln did not attempt to win over his constituents by lying to them through a specific persona. Rather, when looked at in the context of Jaffa's work it becomes quite evident that Lincoln utilized his intellectual capacity for understanding history and philosophy to interpret the intentions and meanings put forth by the founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Through his work in these areas Lincoln was able to garner a more integral and intimate understanding of what the founding fathers wanted for the United States. Utilizing this as a basis for decision making Lincoln was able to effectively develop solutions that held true to the intentions of the founding fathers.

What is perhaps most difficult to understand about this process is why so few scholars have attempted to elucidate this aspect of Lincoln's personality. While many are quick to point out Lincoln's flaws and personality problems, few have taken the time to truly examine what motivated Lincoln to make the decisions that he did. Jaffa through his analysis of both Lincoln's rhetoric and writing is able to find a clear connection between the philosophical undertones of the founding fathers and the specific decisions made by Lincoln with respect to what direction the country should take. When viewed from Jaffa's perspective much of the negative publicity that has been given to Lincoln swiftly falls by the wayside. While one can effectively argue that Lincoln was indeed a man ruled by his moral convictions, his moral convictions stemmed from his relentless pursuit of better understanding what the founding fathers wanted for the government and people of the United States of America. Although many authors tend to view this perspective as somewhat rigid and defiant in some cases the reality is that Lincoln was simply attempting to uphold what he believed was the purpose of government.

Unfortunately, much of what has been written about Abraham Lincoln attempts to marginalize the efforts that were made by this man to improve government and society. As a result, the current literature on this subject does not adequately consider the how and why of Lincoln's decision-making process. For this reason, it is not surprising to find that modern interpretation of Lincoln's presidency has been significantly watered down and, in some instances, likened to a soap opera. What Jaffa elucidates through his analysis is that Lincoln's development and decision-making processes went much deeper than what is typically reported in the scholarly literature. Lincoln was not just a man or a leader; he was a scholar that sought to put America back on the right track thought properly interpreting the documents that had been developed by the country's founding fathers.

Jaffa's analysis of Lincoln's life puts to rest many of the stereotypes that have been developed as a result of the scholarly literature on this subject. Jaffa examines Lincoln in a specific context that is typically not employed by other authors. While one could effectively argue that Jaffa's analysis is not as sensational or interesting as some of the other biographies that have been written on Abraham Lincoln, it is clear that the truthful portrayal of Lincoln as a dedicated scholar is one that is paramount for any individual examining the life and history of Abraham Lincoln. By examining this figure in such an honest light, Jaffa is able not only to accurately describe Lincoln and his decision-making processes but also to help Lincoln reclaim some of the dignity that has been lost through the sensationalism of his life in the popular media.

In the end, Jaffa's work provides a strong historical analysis of how Lincoln was able to effectively serve as president of the United States. Although many of Lincoln's viewpoints were viewed as rebellious or defiant in this time period, when placed in the context of his desire to hold true to the wishes of the founding fathers many of the decisions made by Abraham Lincoln make logical and rational sense. Jaffa's work is essential for understanding Lincoln's role in the development of the United States, the abolition of slavery, and the role of the government in society. To argue that Lincoln's ideologies were predicated upon anything other than a desire to maintain the integrity of the founding fathers, would be to argue that the abolition of slavery was not worth the cost.

Works Cited

Browne, Francis Fisher and John Y. Simon. The Every-Day Life of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 1995.

Einhorn, Lois J. Abraham Lincoln, The Orator: Penetrating the Lincoln Legend. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1992.

Herman Belz. Abraham Lincoln, Constitutionalism and Equal Rights in the Civil War Era. New York: Fordham University Press, 1998.

Jaffa, Harry V. A New Birth of Freedom: Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War. Boulder, CO: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2000.

Neely Jr., Mark E. The Fate of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln and Civil Liberties. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.

Thomas, Benjamin P.. Abraham Lincoln: A Biography. New York: Alfred Knopf, 1952.

[1]Harry V. Jaffa. A New Birth of Freedom: Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War, (Boulder, CO: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2000): 104

[2]Harry V. Jaffa, 108.

[3]Harry V. Jaffa, 361.

[4]Francis Fisher Browne and John Y. Simon. The Every-Day Life of Abraham Lincoln, (Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 1995): 403-4.

[5]Benjamin P. Thomas. Abraham Lincoln: A Biography, (New York: Alfred Knopf, 1952): 457.

[6]Lois J. Einhorn. Abraham Lincoln, The Orator: Penetrating the Lincoln Legend, (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1992): 25.

[7]Lois J. Einhorn, 30.

[8]Mark E. Neely, Jr. The Fate of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln and Civil Liberties, (New York: Oxford University Press, 1991): 221.

[9]Mark E. Neely, Jr., 221.

[10]Mark E. Neely, Jr., 222.

[11]Herman Belz. Abraham Lincoln, Constitutionalism and Equal Rights in the Civil War Era, (New York: Fordham University Press, 1998): 17.