Although the following powerpoint is a good study tool, we HIGHLY recommend that you read the author bios on pages 366 and 369.

Abraham Lincoln was the stereotypical rags-to-riches President, who rose from being born in the bathtub of a Kentuckian log cabin to the prestigious position of President of the United States.

However, Lincoln rose to power at a quite inconvenient time. In the year 1861, the United States was a country held together by the lone thread of weak compromise produced by the aging protectorate composed of Senator Henry Clay, Senator John C. Calhoun, and Senator Daniel Webster.

Lincoln’s election brought on the first of eleven secessions of the Confederate States of America, beginning with South Carolina.

Robert E. Lee, a prominent Virginian, began his prime military career as a succeeding staff officer during the Mexican War. His outstanding performance led to him being chosen to lead the Union Army as Commander for the looming Civil War.

Despite the impressive status of Commander of the Union Army, Lee had internal conflicts over invading his native lands. Contrary to what was expected of him because of his opposition of secession, Lee declined the offer.

Due to his deep Virginian roots, Lee joined the Confederate Army and eventually rose to Commanding General of the Confederate Army of the Confederate States of America.

Unlike his contemporary opponent, Lincoln, Lee was admired on the whole and his war strategies were virtually never questioned.

In the opening statement of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln openly broadcasts his dislike towards the fact that his United States were united no more.

One can easily grasp from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address that he was by and large opposed to the Southern succession.

Robert E. Lee clearly states in his letter that he is against a dissolution of the Union, as it would lead invariably to war.

However, Lee believes that the North has acted unfairly against the South. He also emphasizes that he is willing to defend individual states’ rights at all costs.

Ironically for the military man, Lee speaks most strongly against civil war in general, whether for or against secession. He says that he is willing to fight for no reason but to defend his native state.