Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America’s Most Perilous Year
As our country struggles to define its future and conquer rising debt, we turn hopeful eyes to Abraham Lincoln. Against all odds, that formidable compromiser reunited his country and liberated a people. How did Lincoln do it?
Rise to Greatness examines the pivotal year of 1862. Lincoln has yet to find a general who will fight, and victories against the Rebels are rare. The US Treasury is going into debt to finance an unpopular war. The border states are in turmoil, and if they join the rebellion, the war is lost.
Von Drehle’s excellent account shows us how Lincoln crafted the Emancipation Proclamation and details the duel between Lincoln and General McClellan. How does that shrewd leader cajole and strong arm Congress into cooperation, and persuade a horrified electorate to support a bloody war to free the slaves? I highly recommend Rise to Greatness to anyone who wishes to learn how Lincoln held a country together and hopes to see our current leaders do the same.
