Existing comment:
War Resistance:
A Northern peace movement flourished, especially in the Middle West, where secret groups like the Sons of Liberty lent aid and comfort to the Confederates. Foes of the administration feared a dictatorship in the making -- charges which were given substance when government officials jailed thousands who allegedly impeded the war effort. General Ambrose Burnside took it upon himself to shut down the Chicago Times for its strident attacks on the administration. Lincoln himself overruled Burnside. |