Lincoln and Wilson

Although Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson were two different Presidents in differing times of American history they were connected in one important way. Both Presidents violated civil liberties during wartime. However, there was a great deal of difference between the way President Lincoln violated civil liberties and the way President Wilson violated liberties. President Lincoln is rightfully renowned for his leadership and political skills. Lincoln was a warm man who often sought advice from those he did not like, as seen in Doris Kearns Goodwin’s excellent book Team of Rivals. He also showed a willingness to learn from his mistakes and not get stuck on petty political squabbles. Although Lincoln did jail some dissidents during the Civil War he often immediately released them. Taken into account how the very future of America was at stake during the Civil War the violations of civil liberties could have been much worse. But Lincoln only restricted liberties when it was absolutely necessary.

In contrast to Lincoln, Wilson was a cold leader who did not like being told he was wrong. He did not tolerate criticism of the American government or his presidency during World War I and used the Espionage Act of 1917 to jail dissidents. Although America during World War I was less of a risk at being attacked, Wilson committed graver crimes against liberty than Lincoln did. He had a tendency to hold grudges and to be petty at times. When Wilson was asked to pardon Eugene Debs, the Socialist candidate for President he refused to give in, even though Debs’ health was in danger.

There is a reason why Lincoln is such a renowned President and Wilson is usually only mentioned in regards to World War I. Lincoln led America through its most trying time, while the petty, small Wilson used his powers to silence any opposition to the American government.