As America grapples with deep political divisions, many are looking to history for guidance. And few presidents loom as large in the American consciousness as Abraham Lincoln, the 16th commander-in-chief who led the nation through its greatest crisis, the Civil War.
What would Lincoln make of the polarized state of U.S. politics today? According to historians, the Great Emancipator would likely urge leaders to set aside partisan rancor, seek common ground, and focus on preserving the democratic institutions that he fought so hard to protect.
Bridging the Divide
Lincoln was no stranger to political divisions. He took office in 1861 with the country already fractured, with seven Southern states having seceded to form the Confederacy. Yet he worked tirelessly to keep the Union together, placing national unity above his own ideological goals.
"Lincoln really went out of his way to work with people across the aisle," says historian Heather Cox Richardson. "His Cabinet was made up of his rivals."
This spirit of cooperation is something modern leaders would do well to emulate, says NPR's Steve Inskeep, author of the new book "Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America." "Lincoln succeeded because he was willing to work with people he disagreed with," Inskeep notes.
Preserving Democratic Norms
Beyond his bridge-building efforts, Lincoln was also a staunch defender of democratic institutions - even when they were under threat. As historian Allen Guelzo points out, Lincoln "put into place a dramatically new economic agenda" during his presidency, creating a national banking system and supporting the Transcontinental Railroad, all while waging the Civil War.
What this really means is that Lincoln understood the importance of maintaining a functional government and economy, even in the midst of crisis. The bigger picture here is that Lincoln would likely be appalled by the recent attacks on American democracy, such as the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
As The Atlantic argues, "Lincoln rose to prominence at a moment of crisis, when the legacy of the Revolution was at stake. He did not shy away from what he called 'the monstrous injustice' of slavery - and he certainly did not seek to purge it from the country's story." In the same vein, today's leaders must confront the challenges to democracy head-on.
A Unifying Vision
Ultimately, Lincoln's legacy offers a roadmap for navigating deep political divides. By reaching across the aisle, upholding democratic norms, and maintaining a unifying vision for the country, he was able to guide the nation through its greatest trial.
As bright-base recently covered, historians consistently rank Lincoln as one of the greatest U.S. presidents. His ability to rise above partisanship and focus on the greater good is a model that today's leaders would be wise to emulate. Because as this report shows, the future of American democracy may very well depend on it.