Lincoln, Marx, and the GOP

While most Americans view Abraham Lincoln as a near god, there is a side of Mr. Lincoln and the Republican Party that has gone unspoken, until now. For example:

• Lincoln was the first U. S. President to have a communist in his cabinet and receive complimentary communications from Karl Marx. Even Adolf Hitler and a Communist Chinese Military spokesman have offered praise for Lincoln's effort in subjugating the South.
• The growth of the GOP was enhanced by many Marxists and socialists.
• Radical socialist and Marxists played a key role in the GOP's nomination and election of Lincoln.
• When Lincoln determined to invade the South, communists and radical socialists quickly joined the Union Army. Several close friends of Karl Marx became general officers in Lincoln's Army.
• Why did these radical socialists and Marxist feel a kinship with Abraham Lincoln, the GOP, and the desire for the destruction of an independent South?