We are fortunate to have a lot of information about Schurz’s life and political career in the United States from his own pen – on the one side his Lebenserinnerungen (Reminiscences) and on the other side different letters he has written to his wife or his former fellow student Theodor Petrasch. But we also have to be careful with using these sources of information because one has
to keep some aspects in mind. First, although Schurz claims that he has written down his Reminiscences only on request of his children and therefore only for them and his closer family and friends, he might still have had in the back of his mind that it would be published for a much larger audience as it was originally supposed to be. 1 Second, the same thought applies to the letters he has written to different people. He might already have know that he would turn so famous that his letters will be published and so he might have written down exactly the thoughts and stories the reader nowadays should read and remember. He might have reproduced only the world view the reader should get. I do not want to state that this compellingly is the fact, but one has to keep these assumptions in the back of his mind when relating to Schurz’s letters and Reminiscences.
It is also important to know that all of the letters Schurz had received and written to his wife during his military service were lost in a fire. So we do not have as much information about that time as we do have about the time before and after that.
In the following pages I want to take a closer look on the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Carl Schurz. Both men influenced each other in a way that is not negligible. It was a complex relationship in which both men respected each other with similar aims and the same ability to persuade and inspire an audience. They also had their differences and especially these
differences are interesting and let us gain an insight into the way the two friends coped with each other.
After the most important facts about the lives of Lincoln and Schurz I will take a closer look at the first meeting of the two, the Presidential Election Campaign in which Schurz was extremely involved, the time after the election with Lincoln in office and the development of his friendship with Schurz, the Civil War in which Schurz took over a command and acted as correspondent from
the front to Lincoln, and last Lincoln’s assassination and its impact on Schurz and the American people.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Short Biography
1. Abraham Lincoln
2. Carl Schurz
II. Schurz and Lincoln – an interesting Relationship
1. Schurz’ first Contact with Lincoln
2. Lincoln’s first Presidential Election Campaign
2.1 Similarities and Differences between Lincoln and Schurz
3. The Time after the Election: Lincoln in Office
4. The Civil War
5. Lincoln’s Death
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This academic term paper examines the complex professional and personal relationship between the sixteenth U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and the German-American statesman Carl Schurz. The study investigates how two men from vastly different backgrounds developed a mutual respect and collaboration, analyze their political synergy during the presidential campaign and the Civil War, and explore how their personal bond influenced their respective political actions.
- The biographical foundations of Lincoln and Schurz.
- Schurz’s role in Lincoln’s presidential election campaign.
- Comparison of rhetorical styles and political philosophies.
- The dynamics of their advisory relationship during the Civil War.
- The impact of Lincoln’s assassination on Schurz and his later career.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Similarities and Differences between Lincoln and Schurz
The similarity of the two is more obvious than the differences.
Both shared a great gift of rhetoric.
Visually speaking, both Lincoln and Schurz led the sword of logic in their speeches. No one led it more eagerly than Schurz and no one with more success than Lincoln. When Schurz was leading the sword it would probably sparkle more and be handed more keenly, but led by Lincoln it did not attack the opponent less certain than in Schurz’ speeches. It would hit the opponent with even more devastating impact.
In contrast to Schurz’ way of speaking, Lincoln would rather speak plainly and simple. But both would express themselves in a very clear way.
Nevertheless, regarding their past and education, the two men could not be more different from each other. This led to their different way of thinking and their different way of articulating their thoughts. The conclusions they came to were almost the same, though. They made a perfect team: While Lincoln had been formed by the American conditions and made to a man with ideals, he stood for, Schurz was the most capable one to study those conditions. Lincoln’s advantages, regarding the interpretation of those conditions, were his simplicity and his closer mental connection with the ordinary man in America.
With Schurz’ unshakable perseverance and Lincoln’s determination, they kept their balance and were able to achieve even more.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the primary sources available for researching Carl Schurz, including his Reminiscences and personal letters, while acknowledging the need for critical analysis of these accounts.
I. Short Biography: Offers a concise chronological overview of the lives and political trajectories of both Abraham Lincoln and Carl Schurz prior to and during their professional intersection.
II. Schurz and Lincoln – an interesting Relationship: Details the chronological development of their relationship, from their first meeting on a train to their collaborative efforts during election campaigns and the Civil War.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, highlighting how the mutual respect between the two men bridged their individual differences and served both Lincoln's political goals and the broader American cause.
Keywords
Abraham Lincoln, Carl Schurz, American Civil War, Republican Party, Rhetoric, German-Americans, Reconstruction, Political Biography, Emancipation, Diplomacy, 1860 Election, Leadership, Friendship, Abolition, 1848 Revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the professional and personal relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Carl Schurz, analyzing how their interaction influenced American politics during the Civil War era.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Central themes include the political influence of German-American voters, the evolution of leadership styles, the power of rhetoric in 19th-century politics, and the personal bond between two influential historical figures.
What is the overarching research question?
The work aims to understand how two men with different backgrounds and upbringings formed a productive political partnership and how their differences contributed to their mutual success.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The research is based on a qualitative analysis of historical documents, specifically comparing autobiographical memoirs (Reminiscences) with contemporary personal correspondence.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers their first meeting, Schurz’s involvement in the 1860 presidential election, their collaboration during the Civil War, and their reactions to the trauma of Lincoln’s assassination.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Abraham Lincoln, Carl Schurz, American Civil War, Republican Party, rhetoric, and political biography.
How did Schurz's background as a Forty-Eighter influence his relationship with Lincoln?
As a veteran of the German revolution of 1848, Schurz brought a strong anti-slavery conviction and a unique ability to mobilize the German-American electorate, which Lincoln strategically valued.
How does the author evaluate the reliability of the sources used?
The author critically assesses Schurz’s Reminiscences, noting that they were written later in life, and highlights the importance of cross-referencing these with original letters written at the time of the events.
- Quote paper
- Anna Zafiris (Author), 2003, The Relationship between Carl Schurz and Abraham Lincoln, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/143292
