Invading states. Suspending habeas corpus. Jailing state legislators. Jailing dissenters. Shuting down newspapers.
Even Lincoln's biggest fans admit he used unprecedented powers never before used as President. They usually follow it up with the lame excuse: "oh boo hoo, he had it real hard."
The states were in rebellion. Habeas corpus can be suspended under certain conditions. The state legislators in question were trying to vote to join an ongoing rebellion against the United States. The jailing of dissenters was allowed under the suspension of habeas corpus in effect at the time. And the shutting down of newspapers has been grossly exaggerated. And if all that makes Lincoln a fascist dictator then wouldn't Jefferson Davis be one as well since he did just about everything on your list as well?
Even Lincoln's biggest fans admit he used unprecedented powers never before used as President.
He was also faced with a situation never faced by a President before - armed rebellion against the United States on a scale never before seen.
They usually follow it up with the lame excuse: "oh boo hoo, he had it real hard."
That's usually the reaction I see from the Southron supporters when I point out the ways Jefferson Davis trampled his own constitution.