Abraham Lincoln Deals With Foreign Affairs: A Diplomat in Carpet Slippers

by Jay Monaghan, Howard Jones

On the eve of the American Civil War, the old predatory powers of Europe were waiting to capitalize on the split in the Union. President Lincoln had to prevent foreign governments from giving official recognition to the Confederacy. Jay Monaghan shows how the underestimated, “rustic” president dealt with diplomats both in this country and abroad—and also with contentious politicians and cabinet members.

Genres: History, Civil War

505 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1972

Reviews

[Eric Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Lincoln struggled with incompetent general after incompetent general, he had to mediate and put out one diplomatic fire after another while establishing both a foreign policy that supported the war effort and an effective diplomatic team. The union cause could have been doomed numerous times had Lincoln not handled, France, Britain, Spain and Mexico with deft hands and a good sense of humor. This book, that I purchased at Dauphine Street Books in New Orleans, was an enlightening and well written read.