Final answer:
In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln moved into the White House during the Civil War, and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was criticized for her expensive purchases for their residence while soldiers lacked necessities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln moved into the White House. Despite the nation being in the throes of the Civil War, Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, faced criticism for purchasing luxurious items for the White House.
This spending was considered controversial because it juxtaposed the lavish expenditures against the dire needs of soldiers, many of whom lacked basic supplies such as blankets.
President Lincoln was facing several challenges as he assumed office. One of his initial actions was to call for 75,000 volunteers to join the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
His inauguration marked the beginning of a presidency that utilized emergency powers and executive orders to navigate the Union through the war, which included controversial actions like the blockade of southern ports and expansion of the military without congressional approval at that time.
The backdrop of this period is essential to understanding the situation; the Civil War began because of deep-seated tensions over slavery, with the Confederate States of America (CSA) seceding to preserve the institution and their way of life.
While Lincoln was dealing with these significant national issues, his family's personal spending in the White House seemed out of step with the country's crises.