Whose views highlight the transition from negative to positive liberty during the Civil War?

The correct choice focuses on the views of James McPherson, a prominent Civil War historian, who emphasizes the transition from negative liberty, defined as freedom from interference, to positive liberty, characterized by the idea of freedom as the fulfillment of human potential and the access to rights. During the Civil War, this shift became evident as the conflict not only fought over the preservation of the Union but also began to address the rights and freedoms of enslaved people.

McPherson illustrates how the war transformed the narrative around freedom, particularly with the Emancipation Proclamation, which reframed the conflict into a struggle not just for union but for human rights and equality. This shift in understanding liberty was significant, as it marked a move toward the realization that true freedom involved not just a lack of oppression but also the opportunity for individuals to enjoy the benefits of citizenship and equality.

By highlighting McPherson’s contributions to this dialogue, we can see how historians interpret the Civil War as a pivotal moment for redefining liberty in America, thus making his views central to understanding this transition.