Abraham Lincoln Deals with Foreign Affairs: A Diplomat in Carpet Slippers

On the eve of the American Civil War, the old predatory powers of Europe were waiting to capitalize on the split in the Union. President Lincoln had to prevent foreign governments from giving official recognition to the Confederacy. Jay Monaghan shows how the underestimated, “rustic” president dealt with diplomats both in this country and abroad—and also with contentious politicians and cabinet members.