Tried by War Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief* about?

*Tried by War* examines Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War through five lenses: policy, national strategy, military strategy, operations, and tactics. Historian James M. McPherson details Lincoln’s evolution from an inexperienced leader to a master strategist who preserved the Union, emancipated enslaved people, and redefined the role of Commander in Chief.

Q: How does *Tried by War* compare to McPherson’s other Civil War works?

Unlike McPherson’s broader *Battle Cry of Freedom*, *Tried by War* focuses narrowly on Lincoln’s command decisions. It offers a detailed operational analysis rather than a comprehensive war history, complementing his other works on soldiers and naval campaigns.

Tried by War

James M. McPherson

4.09 (5914 Reviews)

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Lincoln's wartime leadership transformed America. Pulitzer-winner McPherson reveals how a president with no military experience became a strategic mastermind who preserved the Union while ending slavery. "Few historians write as well," praised Jean Edward Smith - a gripping tale of power, morality, and legacy.

What is Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief about?

Tried by War examines Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War through five lenses: policy, national strategy, military strategy, operations, and tactics. Historian James M. McPherson details Lincoln’s evolution from an inexperienced leader to a master strategist who preserved the Union, emancipated enslaved people, and redefined the role of Commander in Chief.

Who should read Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief?

This book is ideal for Civil War enthusiasts, students of presidential leadership, and readers interested in military history. McPherson’s accessible narrative appeals to both academic audiences and general readers seeking a deeper understanding of Lincoln’s wartime decisions.

Is Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief worth reading?

Yes. Pulitzer Prize-winning author James M. McPherson combines rigorous scholarship with engaging storytelling, offering fresh insights into Lincoln’s presidency. The book is praised for its clarity on complex military strategies and its balanced portrayal of Lincoln’s triumphs and missteps.

How does McPherson analyze Lincoln’s military leadership in Tried by War?

McPherson portrays Lincoln as a hands-on leader who learned rapidly, communicated directly with generals, and adapted strategies amid setbacks. The book highlights Lincoln’s use of telegraphy to oversee operations and his pragmatic shift toward total war tactics to defeat the Confederacy.

What key challenges did Lincoln face as Commander in Chief?

Lincoln navigated limited military experience, political divisions, and inconsistent generals. He balanced abolitionist demands with border-state loyalties while transforming the war’s purpose from preserving the Union to abolishing slavery—a strategic and moral pivot.

How did Lincoln’s views on slavery evolve in Tried by War?

Initially cautious, Lincoln prioritized Union preservation but later recognized emancipation as a military necessity. McPherson traces this shift to the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, which weakened the Confederacy and aligned the war with moral imperatives.

What role did public opinion play in Lincoln’s wartime decisions?

Lincoln tempered military strategies with political realities, responding to Northern morale and electoral pressures. He delayed emancipation to retain border-state support and framed the Proclamation as a wartime measure to mitigate backlash.

How does Tried by War compare to McPherson’s other Civil War works?

Unlike McPherson’s broader Battle Cry of Freedom, Tried by War focuses narrowly on Lincoln’s command decisions. It offers a detailed operational analysis rather than a comprehensive war history, complementing his other works on soldiers and naval campaigns.

What leadership lessons from Tried by War apply today?

Lincoln’s adaptability, willingness to replace underperforming leaders, and alignment of moral goals with strategic action remain relevant for modern leaders navigating crises and organizational change.

What critiques exist about Tried by War?

Some scholars argue the book overemphasizes Lincoln’s agency while downplaying structural factors like industrial advantages. Others note limited coverage of Confederate perspectives or African Americans’ contributions beyond soldiering.

What are key quotes or takeaways from Tried by War?

On learning: “Lincoln’s growth stemmed from his capacity to absorb military knowledge and admit errors.”
On emancipation: “Destroying slavery became inseparable from preserving the Union.”
On leadership: “He fused political vision with ruthless pragmatism”

Why is Tried by War relevant to modern military strategy discussions?

The book underscores the interdependence of political and military leadership, offering lessons in civil-military relations, crisis communication, and ethical decision-making during prolonged conflicts.

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Key takeaways

The Reluctant Commander-in-Chief

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Abraham Lincoln entered the presidency with virtually no military experience beyond a brief stint fighting "mosquitoes" in the Black Hawk War. Yet over four brutal years, this self-educated lawyer transformed into one of history's most consequential military leaders. From the moment Confederate guns fired on Fort Sumter just weeks after his inauguration until his assassination days after Lee's surrender, Lincoln's entire presidency was defined by war. His evolution wasn't just remarkable-it was revolutionary. While managing generals with outsized egos and navigating treacherous political waters, Lincoln developed a comprehensive strategic vision that ultimately preserved the Union and ended slavery. His journey reveals not just how Lincoln won the Civil War, but how the war itself transformed Lincoln from a cautious politician into a bold wartime leader willing to use unprecedented executive powers to achieve victory.

Strategic Genius Under Fire

The McClellan Problem

From Crisis to Transformation

Finding the Right General

Victory Through Perseverance

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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