The Multiplicity of Struggles for Recognition and the Conflict of Liberties

Abstract

The various forms of class struggle can be in conflict one with the other. During the American Civil War, President Lincoln, determined at any cost to win the struggle destined to emancipate black slaves, did not hesitate to impose a military dictatorship in the South of the USA and harshly put down the popular revolt that in the North opposing the introduction of compulsory conscription. The leaders of a revolution (bottom up or top down) have often to identify the form of class struggle that is decisive for the process of emancipation.