This first-ever volume to comprehensively explore President
Abraham Lincoln's ties to the American West brings together a
variety of scholars and experts who offer a fascinating look at the
sixteenth president's lasting legacy in the territory beyond the
Mississippi River. Editor Richard W. Etulain's extensive
introductory essay treats these western connections from Lincoln's
early reactions to Texas, Oregon, and the Mexican War in the 1840s,
through the 1850s, and during his presidency, providing a framework
for the nine essays that follow.
Each of these essays offers compelling insight into the many
facets of Lincoln's often complex interactions with the American
West. Included in this collection are a provocative examination of
Lincoln's opposition to the Mexican War; a discussion of the
president's antislavery politics as applied to the new arena of the
West; new perspectives on Lincoln's views regarding the Thirteenth
Amendment and his reluctance regarding the admission of Nevada to
the Union; a fresh look at the impact of the Radical Republicans on
Lincoln's patronage and appointments in the West; and discussion of
Lincoln's favorable treatment of New Mexico and Arizona, primarily
Southern and Democratic areas, in an effort to garner their loyalty
to the Union. Also analyzed is "The Tribe of Abraham"--Lincoln's
less-than-competent appointments in Washington Territory made on
the basis of political friendship--and the ways in which Lincoln's
political friends in the Western Territories influenced his western
policies. Other essays look at Lincoln's dealings with the Mormons
of Utah, who supported the president in exchange for his tolerance,
and American Indians, whose relations with the government suffered
as the president's attention was consumed by the crisis of the
Civil War.
In addition to these illuminating discussions, Etulain includes
a detailed bibliographical essay, complete with examinations of
previous interpretations and topics needing further research, as
well as an extensive list of resources for more information on
Lincoln's ties west of the Mississippi. Loaded with a wealth of
information and fresh historical perspectives, "Lincoln Looks West"
explores yet another intriguing dimension to this dynamic leader
and to the history of the American West.
""
Contributors:
Richard W. Etulain
Michael S. Green
Robert W. Johannsen
Deren Earl Kellogg
Mark E. Neely Jr.
David A. Nichols
Earl S. Pomeroy
Larry Schweikart
Vincent G. Tegeder
Paul M. Zall
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!