The Party of Lincoln

Conservatives proudly tout Abraham Lincoln as the first Republican president, yet what many conservatives fail to recognize is that Lincoln was not just a Republican president—he was arguably the most radically liberal president in American history. Here’s why.

1. Emancipation Proclamation & 13th Amendment

Lincoln’s most enduring legacy lies in his stance against slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 and the subsequent passage of the 13th Amendment marked seismic shifts in American society. These measures didn't just end an economic institution; they struck at the heart of entrenched social and cultural norms. By abolishing slavery, Lincoln challenged the conservative preservation of traditional power structures and hierarchies. His actions resonated far beyond America’s borders, earning praise from radical thinkers worldwide, including Karl Marx, who lauded Lincoln as a champion of social justice and the emancipation of oppressed peoples.

2. Morrill Act and Homestead Act

Lincoln’s commitment to liberalism extended beyond civil rights to encompass economic empowerment and educational advancement. The Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant universities across the United States, democratizing access to higher education and fostering intellectual progress among ordinary citizens. Simultaneously, the Homestead Act provided free land grants to settlers willing to cultivate and develop America’s frontier lands. These policies were not just about economic opportunity; they were about redistributing power and promoting social equality—a stark departure from conservative ideals of maintaining established economic privileges and social hierarchies.

3. Public Investment in Infrastructure

Lincoln’s vision for America included robust public investment in infrastructure. He oversaw the levying of the first income tax to fund essential projects like the Transcontinental Railroad, which connected the country from coast to coast. This ambitious infrastructure project was more than a mere logistical achievement; it symbolized Lincoln’s belief in the transformative power of government intervention to modernize the economy and improve the lives of ordinary Americans. His advocacy for such public investments ran counter to conservative calls for limited government and fiscal restraint.

Takeaway

So while Lincoln may have been the first Republican president, he was also a good old-fashioned big government, tax and spend, social justice warrior liberal. And we love him for it.