Comparing Julius Caesar to Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln and Julius Caesar are indisputably two men who created historical impacts based on the way they carried out their leadership obligations within their particular countries. When drawing a comparison of these two notable figures, certain aspects of the way in which they became renowned are evident. For instance, one of these aspects constitutes the assassinations they faced as leaders irrespective of the disparate contexts. Indeed, the assassinations of Caesar and Lincoln were in accordance to the laws and policies that both persons implemented in order to better their respective societies. Nonetheless, such decisions were not extensively favorable among individuals who were in disagreement with both leaders. Apart from the assassinations, other factors also provide an efficient comparative assessment on both Caesar and Lincoln. The most notable of these factors the early lives they led as well as the political accomplishments they sought to achieve in their leadership positions.
It is impossible to compare Caesar to Lincoln without mentioning their assassination. Indeed, one of the similarities between both figures is in relation to the way they faced murder due to the ideals they stood for. For Caesar, the assassination was an outcome of the rivalry that was eminent between him and other political persons. Accordingly, the fact that Caesar managed to gain nearly autonomous political authority during his invasion of Gaul and Rubicon pitted him against the Senate, which saw him as a dictator that required elimination. Based on this, the senators planned an assassination in the Theatre of Pompey in which over 60 of them stabbed the leader 23 times (Furtwangler, 2007). The assassination of Lincoln was considerably similar to that of Caesar. Accordingly, Lincoln, as the leader of the Union, managed to possess an extensive amount of authority, which he used in order to rid the States of slavery. However, while attending Ford’s Theatre, Lincoln underwent assassination by his assailant, John Wilkes Booth (Furtwangler, 2007).
Undeniably, the lives led by both Caesar and Lincoln also offer an effective platform for comparison. Foremost, similar to Julius Caesar, Lincoln also participated in the military. This is evident because he registered to take part within the Black Hawk War in 1832 (Furtwangler, 2007). In addition to this, Lincoln was also the leader of a battalion famously known as the Illinois Militia during the respective war. Correspondingly, Caesar also participated in military service. This is in accordance to his exploits in the Gallic Wars as well as the Rubicon crossing in which he was responsible for leading a legion illegally into the Roman territory (Furtwangler, 2007). Additionally, both figures also expressed political interests after serving in their particular militaries. For Caesar, his political campaign started in 59 BC when he began searching for the position of Consul, which he gained in 60 BC (Furtwangler, 2007). Similarly, Lincoln, after participating in the Black Hawk War, engaged in politics by facing appointment as a Whig to the legislature of Illinois in 1834 (Furtwangler, 2007).
Consequently, both leaders also focused on utilizing their authority in order to create positive modifications to their respective societies. Even though Caesar also sought to attain absolute authority throughout the Roman Empire, he usually expressed the need to cultivate peace in Rome. Even though his move was sincere, his rivals, for instance, Pompey did not agree with these remarks. Nonetheless, Caesar focused on bringing such changes to Rome by going over the Rubicon, which sparked the Civil War, which was a battle for change and freedom (Furtwangler, 2007). The same also applied for Lincoln. He focused on eliminating slavery and promoting voting rights for African Americans (Furtwangler, 2007). However, he also attempted to do this by exercising the authority he possessed via deferring the Constitution. Based on this, the American Civil War took place leading to the end of slavery.
In conclusion, both Caesar and Lincoln were men famous for the responsibilities they assumed in their conventional societies. Such roles allowed them to initiate significant steps in outlining Rome as well as the United States. Undeniably, specific aspects such as their assassinations, early life and political accomplishments describe the manner in which both were comparatively similar. Nonetheless, even though Caesar’s death was largely due to his abuse of authority and office, it is evident that both societies were stubborn to accept the changes that both leaders sought to implement at that time.
References
Furtwangler, A. (2007). Assassin on stage: Brutus, Hamlet, and the death of Lincoln. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press.
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