Forced Into Glory By Lerone Bennett Jr Pdf
Forced Into Glory written by Lerone Bennett Jr is a book that sheds light on Abraham Lincoln and his role in American history. In this book, the author challenges the glorification of Lincoln as "The Great Emancipator" and instead argues that Lincoln's emancipation proclamation was a result of political pressure and necessity rather than a genuine commitment to ending slavery.
The Context
To understand the significance of Bennett's book, it is necessary to understand the historical context in which it was written. The civil rights movement of the 1960s was in full swing, and African Americans were questioning the portrayal of Lincoln as a hero and savior. Bennett, a prominent African American journalist, historian and social activist, was one of the leading voices in this movement.
He argued that the popular narrative of Lincoln as a saintly figure who fought tirelessly to end slavery was a myth that had been perpetuated by white America to justify their own history of racism and oppression. Bennett believed that the truth about Lincoln's views on race and slavery needed to be exposed.
The Main Arguments
Bennett's book is divided into two parts. The first part examines Lincoln's views on race and slavery and how they evolved over time. Bennett makes the case that Lincoln was a pragmatist who was more concerned with preserving the Union than he was with ending slavery. He also argues that Lincoln was a white supremacist who believed in the superiority of the white race.
The second part of the book focuses on Lincoln's actions as President, particularly his decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Bennett argues that the proclamation was a military strategy designed to weaken the Confederacy rather than a noble gesture to end slavery. He also points out that the proclamation did not actually free any slaves in the border states that remained loyal to the Union.
The Reception
Forced Into Glory was met with controversy and criticism when it was first published in 2000. Many historians and scholars disagreed with Bennett's interpretation of Lincoln and his actions. Some accused Bennett of being overly critical of Lincoln and failing to take into account the context of the times in which he lived.
Despite the criticism, Forced Into Glory remains an important book in the study of American history and the Civil War. It is a powerful reminder that heroes are not always what they seem, and that the real story of America's past is often more complex and nuanced than we have been led to believe.
Conclusion
Forced Into Glory by Lerone Bennett Jr is a thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional narrative of Abraham Lincoln as a hero of the abolition movement. The book provides a detailed analysis of Lincoln's views on slavery and race, and argues that his actions as President were more motivated by political necessity than any moral commitment to ending slavery.
While some may disagree with Bennett's interpretation of Lincoln, his book is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue about race and history in America. It is a reminder that the truth about our past is often uncomfortable and difficult to confront, but it is necessary if we are to move forward and build a more just and equitable society.
