The Real Lincoln A New Look At Abraham Lincoln - 1757 Words

In Thomas Dilorenzo’s controversial book, The Real Lincoln: A New Look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War, a new light is shed upon the historic President Lincoln. It challenges ideas and beliefs that students are taught in grade school, and incorporates a new way of thinking. Above all, this book provides insight into the real life of Lincoln, and remains controversial due to its impeding and harsh criticisms. Dilorenzo, an economic historian, is often questioned about his ethics and credibility to write such a critical book. There are different branches within the historical field of study. The economy plays into society and government today, as it plays a major role in our history. The economy is a substantial part†¦show more content†¦Shortly following the first few sentences, Dilorenzo immediately challenges what most people know about Lincoln by saying that the works composed about him are a myth. Most assume that Lincoln was a noble politici an, supporting the American way of life. However, Dilorenzo states that Lincoln â€Å"seethed in frustration for many years over how the Constitution stood in the way of his political ambitions† (3). This accusation proposes the notion that Lincoln was not a patriotic American man, but a selfish politician only concerned with his own political agenda. Also, many students are taught that Lincoln was an advocate for the abolition of slavery. However, Dilorenzo argues that Lincoln was â€Å"opposed to political or social equality of the races† (3). A pro-abolitionist strongly supports the equality of the races, whereas Lincoln supposedly does not. The next chapter in Dilorenzo’s book tells of Lincoln’s actual opposition to the equality of the races. At young ages in developmental history classes, elementary students are taught that Lincoln supported the abolition of slavery and fought for slaves’ rights. Dilorenzo again strongly challenges this idea. In fact, â€Å"[Lincoln] developed plans to send every last black person to Africa, Haiti, Central America – anywhere but the United States† (17). This idea is better known as colonization. Colonization is a term used to describe