History 1302 Research Paper: Team of rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

Introduction

Hundreds of books have been written narrating the life and leadership stories of Abraham Lincoln, yet the book written by (Goodwin, 2005) remains significantly distinguished, as the author has tried to shine the light on Lincoln's governing methods and efficient political strategies. I've chosen this book for the assignment because the author successfully portrayed the Lincoln's presidency and conveyed the fact that it is difficult to have the president such as Lincoln, who seek out his rivals intelligently. The book is meant for those who need to refresh their thoughts on American political polarization, as the author has made the president's era and his colleagues accessible to the public. The paper describes that how Lincoln managed to handle political rivalries by making the opponents a part of cabinet.

Analysis of Political Situation

In 1861, when Lincoln became the president, Washington was the city where he had strong allies. This city was strange for him, and just in a period of few weeks, dissolution of the union occurred. Once stuck in this situation, Lincoln needed a team of Chief executives to help. Thus, he strategically planned the situation and included the persons in his cabinet, which belonged from Republican Party rivals. Lincoln assigned the designation of treasury secretary to Salmon P. Chase, the designation of state secretary to William H. Seward, the designation of war secretary to Edwin M. Stanton, the designation of attorney general to Edward Bates. Out of these, Chase, Seward, and Bates acted as GOP presidential nomination competitors. This was particularly true for Chase and Seward who always considered Lincoln to be low at his leadership abilities. The formation of such a cabinet was surprising for all.

President's Approach to Handle the Situation

Lincoln's approach of forming the cabinet significantly contradicts to the strategy of modern politicians, as he did not include compliant ciphers in his Cabinet team, but the men of accomplishment who had got their firm support base (the guardian, 2012). This is the point on which Lincoln could be admired; however the author argues that this was the most intelligent choice he could make. In a four way contest, just 39.8 percent votes made him elected as a president. Therefore, he was in ultimate need of a united party which could provide Lincoln with a chance of successful governing United States, when it was passing through most severe crisis period in its history.

The axiom which the Lincoln applied was well tested through the times; the axiom implies that in politics, one should keep its friends close, but enemies even closer. The rivals were easily convinced to accept the high status designations which were offered by the president. Although, they tried enough to keep their position; they raised strong objections against the President's policies, even in the private discussions with him, however Lincoln gradually succeeded in overcoming their wicked aims. Very soon, the three rivals (Seward, Stanton, and Bates) in the cabinet began to appreciate the president, due ...