Abraham Lincoln is painted as a hero in American history books, but his true position on slavery during the Civil War has been debated by historians. Abraham Lincoln's motives were unclear and questionable.
For the people
Abraham Lincoln's legacy is that of a man and President of the people. His acts during his presidency, such as the Emancipation Proclamation and his support of the end of slavery were all markers of his commitment to bettering social justice and equality for all people.
Emancipation was a peoples policy
The Emancipation Proclamation was a people's policy aimed at outlawing slavery and changing the tide of the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation made holding slaves illegal in the United States, freeing millions of enslaved people in the nation.
Abraham Lincoln viewed slavery as inhumane and unjust from the beginning of his life. His advocacy against slavery led to the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13, 14, and 15th amendments.
Abraham Lincoln never considered himself to be an abolitionist, nor did he have plans to end slavery when beginning his term as president. Lincoln realized it would increase his political power by denouncing slavery and that choosing a side in the impending Civil War was inevitable.
Abraham Lincoln did not have initial plans to end slavery
When voting into the Presidency in 1861, Abraham Lincoln did not have plans to end slavery. Abraham Lincoln did not want equal rights for Black and white people
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.
Abraham Lincoln did not want to emancipate all Black people and slaves at once. Abraham Lincoln feared further Southern rebellion if slaves were unanimously freed and issued the Emancipation Proclamation in a military attempt to appease both the Northern abolitionist and Southern slave holders.
