Part Nine: The New Reckoning Summary and Analysis

Lincoln had to relieve General Burnside because of a disastrous campaign at Fredericksburg and internal dissent with his officers. Instead, Lincoln put "Fighting Joe" Hooker in command of the Potomac Army. Because of the Emancipation Proclamation, most Democrats were now against Lincoln. The War Department began mobilizing black regiments, agreeing that black and white outfits would remain segregated. Lincoln still needed more troops, so he enforced conscription—the draft. Though those who could afford it could buy their way out, antiwar protest flared up, and Democrats organized a "Peace Movement," calling Lincoln a tyrant and a dictator.

Upon reports that Grant was drinking again, Lincoln sent people to check on him, who proclaimed him able-minded and sober. The Army of the Potomac suffered yet another defeat, this time under Hooker, while Grant...