One War at a Time—Lincoln's axiom for Union diplomacy—refutes the opinion of most historians and biographers that Lincoln played only a minor role in U.S. foreign relations. Rather, the book shows that Lincoln skillfully conducted a dangerous diplomatic balancing act, avoiding war with England and France while using the threat of war to prevent European recognition of Confederate independence. No other book offers such a thorough review of Union and Confederate relations with Britain. Author Dean B. Mahin also provides the first full analysis of U.S. and Confederate reactions to the French intervention in Mexico. His review of Civil War foreign policy adds a new dimension to our understanding of the great conflict.
