JOURNAL ARTICLE

Illinois and the Saving of the American Republic.

  • Published In: Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, 2026, v. 119, n. 1. P. 56 1 of 3

  • Database: America: History and Life with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Karamanski, Theodore J. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on Illinois’s pivotal role in the American Civil War from 1860 to 1865, highlighting the state’s widespread engagement in the conflict over slavery and preservation of the Union. It emphasizes the leadership of Illinois figures such as Abraham Lincoln, whose evolving policies culminated in the 1865 Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery, and Stephen A. Douglas, who supported national unity despite political rivalry. The article also discusses Ulysses S. Grant’s military achievements and his strong connection to Illinois troops, countering narratives that diminish his legacy. Illinois’s commitment to republican ideals is symbolized by monuments like the one at Shiloh battlefield, honoring the sacrifices of over 250,000 Illinois soldiers who fought to uphold the nation’s constitutional order. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. 2026/03, Vol. 119, Issue 1, p56
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1522-1067
  • DOI:10.5406/23283335.119.1.15
  • Accession Number:192456750
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society is the property of Illinois State Historical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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