Martyr of Equality
Walt Whitman was a poet, essayist and journalist who was amongst the most important figures of the American Romantic movement of the mid- 19th century. He was a tireless advocate for progressive values and human rights, some of which position him today as a figure of the modern resistance. He often praised Abraham Lincoln for his emancipatory efforts in freeing millions of African-American slaves.
As the World War II raged on, Whitman published a book of poems dedicated to the 16th president of the United States, honoring his contributions to the nation and the underlying principles of justice and equality that shaped his political agenda. He believed in a nation drafted according to these principles, maintaining togetherness and cohesion by removing the prejudices and drawbacks of slavery.
A young Walt Whitman grew up during a turbulent period of the American history during which slavery was at its peak. From an early age, he developed an anti-slavery stance which was reflected in his works and supportive views of Abraham Lincoln. After the president issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, Whitman was both deeply moved and highly admiring of Lincoln’s tremendous acts of courage, and he wrote a number of poems to honor his legacy.
In an essay titled “Abraham Lincoln—The Emancipator”, Whitman goes into the details of why he admires Lincoln, one of which is “because he so dominates the present, because he is so embedded in the now”. He celebrates the president’s performance despite the difficult conditions of the 1850s and early 1860s, hailing his efforts to find ways to preserve the nation amidst rising animosity and strife.
The responsibility of shedding light on the concerning issues of racism, equality and civil unrest were recognized by Whitman and Lincoln, who formed the cornerstone of their respective agendas. Both were advocates of progressive ideology and were denounced, if not opposed, by numerous segments of the public.
Whitman embraced and endorsed Lincoln’s advocacy of the reform of the Union and of human rights, seeing it as a beacon of hope for change in times where bigotry and racism seemed as endemic to the American society. Lincoln was a source of admiration for Whitman because of his desire to make the Union whole, forge peace and create cohesion, and respect regardless of race, gender and political preference.
A Pillar of Human Rights
What most of all attracted Whitman to Lincoln was his status as a defender of the disenfranchised who constantly sought advancement of the rights of all Americans. Lincoln, unlike his predecessors, was devoted to uniting the North and the South and fighting for the rights of those, like Walt Whitman, who were left behind and entirely disregarded by the American society, making extraordinary contributions to the nation and the legal legacy of Freedom and Equality.
Whitman’s admiration for Lincoln went beyond his political acts and into the realm of human decency in all terms, reflected in his need to come to terms and bring understanding of the ongoing controversies. His ambition to bridge the gap between the divided factions was Whitman’s favorite in Lincoln’s character, as said by himself: his “frank, great nature” and his consistent efforts to bring about much-needed progress in the trying times of the nation were the ideal model of leadership in Whitman’s opinion.
He believed that Lincoln’s annihilation of established norms reached beyond the call of duty, which earned him his ever-lasting admiration. Lincoln was a champion of human rights, setting up a legal pondering in the U.S. Constitution, and making sure that the nation that was once divided along the slavery issue would become but one in the future..
Lincoln’s Legacy
Abraham Lincoln’s efforts greatly impacted his country’s history, laying the foundations of what later became the Civil Rights Movement, contributing greatly to the abolishment of race-based discrimination. The emancipation survived for centuries and has been an area of pursuit for the years since his passing, despite the racism that still pervades the American society.
Lincoln is still remembered and praised for revolutionizing the sphere of civil rights, both nationally and internationally. His legacy is largely attributed to the influential poets of the late 19th century such as Walt Whitman, as well as writers, journalists, and civil activists. His approval rating has grown to 91% in 2020, a testament to his leadership and accomplishments.
Whitman’s Influence
Walt Whitman left a legacy of its own, being renowned as a resounding imprint on the nation’s political and public agenda. In addition to his acclaimed works in poetry, he was a media influencer through newspapers, essays, and blogs. His support for Lincoln was both vocal and communicative, and he played an eminent role in spreading the expected impact Lincoln would have on the Union, which later became a reality.
Whitman worked untiringly to further the notion of liberty and justice, and praised Abraham Lincoln’s effort to reduce the gap between the individuals of the North and the South and unify them under a common banner of freedom and equality. The poet became known for his comprehension of the president’s core mission, expressing his respect and admiration for Lincoln in frequently outspoken words.
He acclaimed Lincoln’s title of “the Great Emancipator”, striving to end the black slavery and make way for the racial equality movement which today has become an essential part of the American society. With the help of such iconic figures as Walt Whitman and Abraham Lincoln, the legacy of reshaping the American values abolished by bigotry and racism still resonates today.
Early Life and Contemporaries
Before becoming the leader of the United States and a source of admiration to many, Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809, in the state of Kentucky. He lost his mother at an early age and had little access to education, which is why he resorted to constant reading and eventually obtained a law degree by the time he turned twenty-five.
He was amongst many who were taking a stance in support of a nation with a unified magnanimous of equality, justice and freedom such as Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Susan B. Anthony.
Nonetheless, it was Abraham Lincoln who made these sentiments a reality, standing up against the status quo of his time and deciding to take the moral high ground. He took the long-standing notion of freedom and incorporated into the basic ideals of the government, becoming the symbol of the movement who wanted an America welded together under the principles of justice and equality.
Philosophy and Performance
Abraham Lincoln’s philosophical position and prime focus on equality, justice and freedom is what earned him such admiration, including that of Walt Whitman’s. During the Civil War, Lincoln’s administration dealt with tough issues and matters regarding slavery and racial exclusion, in spite of the deep divisions within the nation.
He worked hard for the benefit of the Union and the emancipation of slaves, going against the common beliefs and mostly unpopular stances that were prevailing in the 19th-century. Soon he began to be recognized as a savagely brave leader and a beloved figure, in a time where his efforts were paramount Both in the national setting, and in world history.
Whitman’s adoration of Lincoln reflects not only the condemnation of racism and the advocancy of human rights, but his patriotism and deep-set understanding of the values that America needed, if the dream of equality were to become a reality.
Conclusion and Remembrance
In the days leading up to his assassination, Abraham Lincoln was recognized for his legacy of stanchly fighting for the nation’s unity, civil and equal rights, making his influence, after 150 years since his passing, as crucial as ever.
Today, Abraham Lincoln’s legacy still stands strong, with his name being reminded for many years to come. Walt Whitman clearly understood this, witnessing with admiration Lincoln’s commitment to human rights and the advancement of freedom. He spoke frequently of the Great Emancipator’s moral character and his unique ability to unite the country, based on mutual understanding and respect, no matter one’s skin color, or social status.
