Join Tom DiLorenzo, a Professor and author renowned for critiquing American history, as he challenges the glorified image of Abraham Lincoln. He unveils Lincoln’s authoritarian tactics during the Civil War and discusses his controversial legacy regarding slavery and state sovereignty. DiLorenzo critiques the role of 'court historians' in shaping narratives and emphasizes the importance of diverse historical perspectives. Additionally, he dives into the power dynamics of American history, revealing how inflation and wartime policies have shaped modern governance.
Tom DiLorenzo argues that historians' soft portrayal of Lincoln obscures his totalitarian tendencies and support for slavery amendments.
The podcast critiques the term 'Civil War,' advocating for its reframing as a war of secession, emphasizing Southern independence.
Deep dives
Revisiting Lincoln's Role in History
Abraham Lincoln's presidency and actions during the Civil War are often misrepresented, primarily due to the tendency of historians to overlook uncomfortable facts. Lincoln's initial intention to preserve slavery is highlighted in his first inaugural address where he expressed no desire to disrupt Southern institutions. The misconception that Lincoln fought the war to free enslaved people is stripped away as he actively pledged support for amendments protecting slavery. This revisionist perspective urges a reevaluation of Lincoln's legacy, challenging the cult surrounding his image.
The Misconception of the Civil War
The term 'Civil War' is critiqued for inaccurately describing the conflict as a struggle for control over a single government. Instead, it is characterized as a war of secession, where the Southern Confederacy sought independence, not governance of the North. The conflation of the term confuses the historical narrative, obscuring the genuine motivations behind the Southern states' actions. Understanding this distinction is vital to grasp the nature of the conflict, as history is often written by the victors.
The Brutality of War Tactics
The podcast addresses the harsh realities of military strategies employed during the Civil War, particularly focusing on General Sherman's infamous tactics. Sherman’s march to the sea exhibited total war principles, deliberately targeting civilian populations to hasten the war's conclusion, which resulted in widespread suffering and destruction. These actions validate the argument that the war facilitated brutal methods previously condemned by international laws governing conflict. The emergence of a new approach to warfare during this time significantly altered the conduct of military operations in subsequent conflicts.
Nullification and State Sovereignty
The historical principle of nullification, championed by figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, emphasizes the rights of states to challenge federal authority. As states, particularly in New England, exercised their right to secede in the past, the concept underlines a fundamental belief in voluntary governance. The discussion illustrates that prior to Lincoln’s presidency, the notion of state sovereignty was widely accepted and understood within American society. This contrasts with post-Civil War assumptions, which wrongly consolidate federal power and diminish the validity of state rights.
Gabriel Custodiet speaks with Tom DiLorenzo about his efforts to expose Abraham Lincoln. Pushing against the soft “saint-like” treatment that historians have granted Lincoln, DiLorenzo exposes Lincoln’s totalitarian tendencies, his contribution to the birth of American fiat currency, his war crimes, among other reasons to have disdain for the lauded president. Ultimately DiLorenzo explains how court historians can twist our understanding of history, use this twisting to advance the ends of the status quo, and themselves alter the course of history.
The original episode is available at https://watchmanprivacy.com/podcast
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