“In my view of the present aspect of affairs, there is no need of bloodshed and war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say in advance, there will be no blood shed unless it be forced upon the government. The government will not use force unless force is used against it.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
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Quote
“In my view of the present aspect of affairs, there is no need of bloodshed and war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say in advance, there will be no blood shed unless it be forced upon the government. The government will not use force unless force is used against it.”
Explanation
This quote comes from Abraham Lincoln’s stance on avoiding war, particularly in the early stages of the American Civil War. At this time, Lincoln was trying to maintain the Union while avoiding a violent confrontation, but he made it clear that the government would only resort to force if provoked. His message emphasized that war was not his preferred course of action, but if the South initiated violence against federal institutions, the government would respond decisively. Lincoln’s rhetoric reflects his commitment to preserving the Union without unnecessary violence, despite the mounting tensions between the North and South.
Historically, this reflects Lincoln’s difficult position in 1861, when the Southern states were seceding, and the nation was on the brink of civil war. Lincoln knew the grave consequences of war and hoped to resolve the crisis without resorting to bloodshed. However, as events such as the attack on Fort Sumter showed, Southern forces forced the issue, and Lincoln’s response was to call for troops to defend the Union. In this sense, his words marked the delicate line between diplomacy and military action.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with political leaders who face crisis situations or conflicts, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and restraint before resorting to violence. The principle of responding to aggression defensively, rather than initiating conflict, remains a key tenet of many nations’ foreign policies today. The idea that force should only be used in self-defense is central to international relations and the ethics of war, as seen in various peacekeeping efforts and military doctrines worldwide.
