| Summary |
While numerous accounts exist of President Abraham Lincoln's often-troubled dealings with either his cabinet or his generals, Chester G. Hearn's illuminating history provides the first broad synthesis of Lincoln's complex relationship with both groups. As such, it casts new light on much of the behind-the-scenes interplay, intrigue, and sparring between the president and his advisors and military commanders during the most precarious years of the Civil War. Hearn next demonstrates convincingly that even with these difficulties, Lincoln manipulated his cabinet far more adroitly than he did his generals. Many of Lincoln's top military commanders had political aspirations or agendas of their own, while others were close friends of his intransigent cabinet members. Having assumed the role as de facto army chief, Lincoln took responsibility for the mishandling of battles fought by his generals, some of whom were incompetent and unmanageable politicians. Hearn examines the often-disastrous generalship and its impact on Lincoln and the cabinet, as well as the public, the press, and Congress. |
| Note |
Includes bibliographical references (pages [336]-344) and index. |
| Subject |
United States -- Politics and government -- 1861-1865 -- Decision making.
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Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 -- Relations with cabinet officers.
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Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 -- Relations with generals.
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Political leadership -- United States -- History -- 19th century.
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Cabinet officers -- United States -- History -- 19th century.
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Generals -- United States -- History -- 19th century.
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| Standard # |
9780807136379 cloth alkaline paper |
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0807136379 cloth alkaline paper |
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