Abraham Lincoln has been cast as an untutored military genius by some historians, but he seized upon the controversial notion of total war out of desperation. Lincoln summoned a new resolve, a resolve tinged with ferocity and a willingness to take all steps necessary to save the Union. An even more serious threat came from Republican radicals who saw the manpower shortage and the call for more forceful action as a good opportunity to press their demands for black emancipation and the recruitment of black troops. Lincoln had consistently rejected these extreme measures. In July 1862, faced with military collapse in the East and belligerent populations in rebel states, Lincoln was ready to reconsider his policy toward civilians and escalate the war. In addition, he impressed upon John Pope the need for taking swift action and eliminating all obstacles to success.