Meaning: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, made this statement about capitalists in a letter to Colonel William F. Elkins on November 21, 1864. The context of this quote is important to understanding its significance. At the time, the United States was in the midst of the Civil War, a conflict that not only pitted the North against the South but also highlighted the social and economic tensions within the country. Lincoln's presidency was marked by his efforts to preserve the Union and to address the issues of slavery and economic inequality.

In this quote, Lincoln is addressing the actions of capitalists, referring to those who were involved in the business and financial sectors of the economy. His choice of words, particularly "fleece the people," suggests that he believed these capitalists were taking advantage of the general population for their own gain. This reflects Lincoln's concern for the welfare of the common people and his belief in the importance of economic fairness and social justice.

It is important to note that Lincoln's views on capitalism were complex and evolved over time. While he was a proponent of free labor and the economic development of the United States, he also recognized the potential for exploitation and inequality within a capitalist system. His experiences growing up in a rural, frontier environment and his observations of the impact of industrialization and urbanization likely shaped his perspective on economic issues.

In the broader historical context, Lincoln's critique of capitalists can be seen as part of a larger conversation about the role of government in regulating and balancing the interests of business and the general population. The mid-19th century was a time of rapid industrialization and the rise of big business, and debates about the impact of capitalism on society and the role of government in addressing economic inequality were central to the political discourse of the time.

Lincoln's concerns about the actions of capitalists and their impact on the people reflect a broader tension between the pursuit of individual wealth and the collective well-being of society. This tension continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions about economic policy and social justice.

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln's quote about capitalists acting harmoniously and in concert to fleece the people is a reflection of his concerns about the potential exploitation and inequality within a capitalist system. It captures his commitment to economic fairness and social justice, as well as the broader historical context of the mid-19th century when debates about the impact of capitalism on society were central to the political discourse. Lincoln's views on this topic offer valuable insights into the complex relationship between business, government, and the well-being of the population, and continue to resonate in discussions about economic policy and social justice today.