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Abraham Lincoln did not consider himself an abolitionist
Abraham Lincoln worked alongside abolitionists, but did not consider himself an abolitionist. Abraham Lincoln did not want to change or re-write the constitution to end slavery, unlike the abolitionists.
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The Argument
Abraham Lincoln did not consider himself to be an abolitionist; he did feel that slavery was morally wrong, but did not wish to change the law to eradicate it. [1]
Abolitionists were set on changing constitutional law to end slavery and give Black people equal rights.[1] Abraham Lincoln did not agree; he did not wish to alter the constitution. [1]
In a court case in the 1830's, young lawyer Abraham Lincoln represented a Kentucky slave holder. [2]
In the 1850's, Abraham Lincoln spoke about sending slaves back to Africa in a speech, theorizing that would solve the racism and issues surrounding slavery in the United States. [3]
Abraham Lincoln did not consider himself an abolitionist and compared to true abolitionists of the time, was far from the progressive and slavery-ending President that history has painted him to be.
Counter arguments
Abraham Lincoln was an abolitionist because he wanted to end slavery and felt slavery was morally unjust.