A recurring theme that is explored throughout the topic of the politics of emancipation is politics and power. In this topic, the path to the complete emancipation of slaves in America is explored, as well as the changes in Republican ideology that led to emancipation becoming a fundamental part of the war. A division had formed in the Republican party over the process of abolishing slavery. Republicans who held a more radical perspective such as Senator Charles Sumner on emancipation, believed that the war should be used to achieve the abolition of slavery, while the group of conservative group of Republicans favored emancipation as the result of a gradual process that was less destructive. Lincoln himself hesitated at the possibility of a
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However the emancipation would have a much more direct and relevant effect at the time it was enacted, that is establishing that the elimination of slavery was just as significant as preserving the union in the context of the war. A similar situation presented itself regarding Lincoln's use of executive power in a state of war, but in a modern context, following the September 11th terrorist attacks. President Bush authorized the use of domestic surveillance on U.S citizens without their knowledge, that many saw as unconstitutional, and a abuse of presidential power. This bears a similarity with President Lincoln during the Civil war, who suspended the writ of habeas corpus and made extensive use of his war powers, for the what was the effort to preserve the Union at any cost. Emancipation through war may been seen as radical at first,yet it would become in the eyes of many Republicans, a worthy justification for the sacrifices and struggles endured during the war. The presidential support of this belief would lead to it becoming a reality, and in doing so the extensive power and influence of the executive branch was defined, and the debate over the extent of presidential power continues today, as presidents in the modern day
However the emancipation would have a much more direct and relevant effect at the time it was enacted, that is establishing that the elimination of slavery was just as significant as preserving the union in the context of the war. A similar situation presented itself regarding Lincoln's use of executive power in a state of war, but in a modern context, following the September 11th terrorist attacks. President Bush authorized the use of domestic surveillance on U.S citizens without their knowledge, that many saw as unconstitutional, and a abuse of presidential power. This bears a similarity with President Lincoln during the Civil war, who suspended the writ of habeas corpus and made extensive use of his war powers, for the what was the effort to preserve the Union at any cost. Emancipation through war may been seen as radical at first,yet it would become in the eyes of many Republicans, a worthy justification for the sacrifices and struggles endured during the war. The presidential support of this belief would lead to it becoming a reality, and in doing so the extensive power and influence of the executive branch was defined, and the debate over the extent of presidential power continues today, as presidents in the modern day