Abstract: This essay interprets the history of the Civil War era in terms of its value for understanding President Trump's attacks on the rule of law and constitutional order. It emphasizes ways of thinking—modesty, humility, respect for the unintended consequences of well-intentioned actions, the necessity of change and adaptation—that were of value to Lincoln and his contemporaries and might benefit us today.
Aaron Sheehan-Dean (Sat,) studied this question.