Lincoln vs. Davis in Civil War

Title: A Comparison of the Aims of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis at the Outset of the Civil War

Introduction
The Civil War in the United States, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, was a defining moment in the nation's history. At the beginning of the conflict, Abraham Lincoln, the President of the Union, and Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy, had differing aims that would shape the course of the war and its eventual outcome.

Abraham Lincoln's Aims
Abraham Lincoln's primary aim at the outset of the Civil War was to preserve the Union. He believed that the United States was a single, indivisible nation, and he was determined to prevent the secession of the Southern states. Lincoln saw secession as illegal and unconstitutional, and he was committed to upholding the authority of the federal government.

Lincoln also aimed to end slavery gradually and peacefully. Although he did not initially seek the immediate abolition of slavery, he was opposed to its expansion into new territories. Lincoln believed that slavery was morally wrong, and he hoped that it would eventually be abolished throughout the country.

Jefferson Davis's Aims
Jefferson Davis, on the other hand, aimed to secure the independence and sovereignty of the Confederate States of America. He believed that each state had the right to secede from the Union and form its own government, free from federal interference. Davis was determined to defend the principle of states’ rights and ensure the survival of the Confederacy.

Davis also aimed to preserve the institution of slavery. He viewed slavery as essential to the economic and social fabric of the Southern states, and he believed that the federal government had a duty to protect and uphold the institution. Davis saw the defense of slavery as a key justification for secession and the formation of the Confederacy.

Comparison and Contrast
The aims of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis at the beginning of the Civil War were fundamentally different. Lincoln sought to preserve the Union, gradually end slavery, and uphold federal authority, while Davis aimed to secure the independence of the Confederacy, protect states’ rights, and preserve the institution of slavery.

Despite their divergent aims, both Lincoln and Davis were committed to the causes they believed in and were willing to pursue them through the hardships of war. The clash of these opposing aims would ultimately lead to a protracted and bloody conflict that would reshape the United States and its future as a nation.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the aims of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis at the beginning of the Civil War reflected their differing perspectives on the nature of the Union, states’ rights, and slavery. Their conflicting aims set the stage for a tumultuous period in American history, marked by division, conflict, and ultimately the preservation of the Union.