1. Military Struggles: The early years of the Civil War were marked by significant setbacks and defeats for the Union forces. Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia won crucial battles such as First Bull Run (Manassas) in 1861 and Second Bull Run (Manassas) in 1862. These losses demoralized the Union troops, eroded public confidence in Lincoln's leadership, and intensified calls for a negotiated settlement with the Confederacy.
2. Political Opposition: Lincoln's presidency faced staunch opposition from various political factions. Radical Republicans, an influential faction within his party, criticized his moderate stance on slavery and pushed for more aggressive action to abolish it. Additionally, Democrats, particularly those with Southern sympathies, opposed Lincoln's policies and accused his government of overstepping constitutional boundaries. This political divisiveness made it difficult for Lincoln to forge a unified national front during a time of crisis.
3. Economic Challenges: The war strained the Union's economy, causing significant disruptions to trade, commerce, and infrastructure. Financing the war effort proved challenging, requiring the government to borrow heavily and impose new taxes. Inflation eroded the value of currency, leading to rising commodity prices and shortages of essential goods. These economic hardships tested Lincoln's ability to maintain public support for the war and further weakened his position.