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Many view the Italian Renaissance as the birth of modernity and as the foundation of the secular state. This modernization coincided with one of the most significant cultural movements of the time - the humanist movement, which involved a turn to humanity at the centre of interest. A new emphasis was placed on the status and importance of man and the world in which he lives. Italian diplomat, political philosopher, and the most cynical thinker of his time, Niccolò Machiavelli, is argued to have played a central role in the humanist movement with his guidebook The Prince. Written in the 16th century as an advice book for princes, it is nowadays widely considered to be one of the most controversial political works to ever be published. Since the Pope deemed it a wicked book, Catholics were prohibited from reading it as their moral soul was at risk. Throughout The Prince, Machiavelli constantly draws attention to the Holy Bible in a blasphemous way, condemns his predecessors as childish idealists, and overall seems to completely break with moral tradition by separating politics from ethics. Cambridge professor Quentin Skinner, author of The Foundations of Modern Political Thought, takes an in depth look at this period of political development and, in particular, Machiavelli's strong shift in political priorities. Further insight into Machiavelli's The Prince is exhibited in the article Machiavelli's Unchristian Charity, written by Canadian scholar and professor Clifford Orwin. Both academics share the attitude that Machiavelli plays a substantial role in the humanist movement and is responsible for laying out a much more modern way to discuss politics. After careful examination and reflection of these two secondary sources, as well as the primary source itself, two fundamental ideas of Machiavelli have become remarkably clear. Firstly, that it is undeniable that Machiavelli's way of thinking is entirely original in the sense that, for the first time ever, the concept of politics is completely separate from ethical matters. Furthermore, humanist thought is further developed in his writing - especially with regard to the power of the human will over the influence of fortune.
Although he believed in eventual emancipation, Abraham Lincoln's goal at the beginning of the war was to save the Union, what ever it took. As the Civil War carried on, Lincoln was convinced that the only way of saving to Union was to initiate a plan of gradual emancipation. He explained that, “in my judgment, gradual, and not sudden emancipation, is better for all.” This plan however, was morphed into the Emancipation Proclamation because of pressures from radical Republicans. As Lincoln's career progressed, he became a stronger advocate for African-American rights, supporting the thirteenth amendment. Mainly he was just adamant about make sure that slavery would not continue. Once the nation was saved, Lincoln was slightly less reluctant to support a pro-African American cause, but he still put unity before equality. By evaluating Lincoln's motives behind the Emancipation Proclamation and his policies after the end of war it is apparent that Lincoln wanted to create a unified, slave-free nation.
Lincoln believed firmly that the best way to end slavery was through gradual emancipation. This, he argued, would bring a peaceful end to slavery and keep the Union together. It is evident that his main goal, at the beginning of the war, was the well being of his country and therefore the loyalty and respect of his Southern countrymen. In a message to Congress in March 1862, Lincoln said that “the United States ought to co-operate with any state which may adopt gradual abolishment of slavery,” and that the government would provide compensation. By not forcing emancipation upon slave states and by offering compensation, Lincoln hoped to retain peace and to regain the support of Southerners. He went on to state that gradual emancipation would aid in “self-preservation.” At this point in time Lincoln did not intend to free all of the slaves. More importantly, Lincoln's other goal was to intimidate the Southern states, showing them that they were outnumbered. In the same address to Congress, Lincoln explained that, “the point is not that all the states tolerating slavery would very soon, if at all, initiate emancipation.” He continued to say that he hoped when the Northern slave states accepted emancipation, the South would realize that the border states were siding with the Union. Lincoln told the border states to “let the states which are in rebellion see, definitely and certainly, that in no event, will the states you represent ever join their proposed confederacy.”