ABSTRACT
The more conservative, seeing hope for the future in Abraham Lincoln’s re-election, were hoping to consolidate a coalition of Republicans and War Democrats which would dam the tide of change. More than ever, the centre of the stage was occupied by the question of guarantees for the freedmen, including the possibility of Negro suffrage, and the consolidation of military victory by political means to ensure that control of the post-war south was in safe and loyal hands. The superior virtues claimed for the Southern agrarian way of life needed to be compromised, or sacrificed to the ruthless demands of war; to defeat the North, the South would have to become more like the North. Robert E. Lee, still an imposing figure even in defeat, resplendent in fresh uniform, with sash and sword, personified Southern pride and self-respect, concern for honour, and the need to keep up appearances.
