Abraham Lincoln, the former President of the United States, is famous for his creation of the Emancipation Proclamation that brought an end to slavery. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that Lincoln’s stance on slavery was not always unwavering. Prior to and during the Civil War, he consistently expressed disapproval towards slavery. Yet, there were occasions when his position fluctuated due to personal sentiments. In his speeches, Lincoln openly recognized the immoral nature of slavery but faced difficulty in determining a definite course of action to address this matter.
Lincoln had various perspectives on how to address slavery throughout his political career, shaped by his upbringing, political backing, and understanding of the nation. As a child, Lincoln witnessed his Kentucky-based relatives owning slaves, yet his own parents firmly rejected the idea of becoming slave owners. Lincoln’s family belonged to a church that was divided between supporters and opponents of slavery, with his parents aligning themselves with the anti-slavery faction and eventually establishing their own congregation.
Lincoln’s family relocated and established themselves in the free state of Illinois. At a young age, Lincoln’s mother passed away, putting the responsibility of parenting on his father. Lincoln developed animosity towards his father and sought solace in books, avoiding physical labor. His aversion to labor influenced his decision to pursue a career in law. As he progressed in his legal profession, Lincoln handled cases pertaining to slavery, representing both slaves and slave owners. However, when he became an Illinois congressman in 1846, he aligned himself with the Wimot Proviso.
This would have prohibited slavery in any territory obtained from Mexico. In his Peoria Speech, Lincoln mentioned, “I believe I can dare to say that I voted for it at least forty times; during the short time I was there” (Johnson, p. 15). Throughout Lincoln’s initial thirty-seven years, he transitioned from a state where slavery was legal to one where it was not, experienced the loss of one parent, and switched professions. Lincoln’s representation of both slaves and slave owners in court cases suggests that his numerous life changes left him uncertain about his position on slavery.
During his congressional term in 1847, Lincoln represented a slave owner who sought the return of runaway slaves, despite previous claims of supporting an anti-slavery act. This initial indecisiveness in his political career ultimately influenced his stance on slavery. However, it was not until 1854, when Senator Stephen Douglas successfully pushed the Kansas Nebraska Act through Congress, that Lincoln expressed his views on the matter more clearly. In his Peoria Speech on October 16, 1854, Lincoln effectively articulated his objections to the Kansas Nebraska Act.
This speech revitalized his political career after he took a break from politics following his term in Congress. Lincoln argued against the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and questioned its morality. He believed that the repeal was not only wrong in its immediate effect of bringing slavery to Kansas and Nebraska but also wrong in principle as it allowed for its spread everywhere. According to Lincoln, slavery itself was a “monstrous injustice” and he criticized America for being hypocritical by claiming to be a free nation while restricting freedom based on skin color. Despite discussing slavery historically and sharing his personal beliefs about its immorality, Lincoln shifted his focus to the political implications of slavery.
In his discussion, Lincoln shifts to the subject of slavery and expresses uncertainty. He recognizes that southerners should not be held responsible for the introduction of slavery and acknowledges the difficulties in eradicating it. Lincoln admits, “If I were given all earthly power, I would still be unsure how to handle the current institution” (Johnson p. 16). Although he clearly voices his disapproval of slavery, he does not provide a definitive solution to this matter.
Lincoln’s uncertain stance on slavery can be attributed to his need for political backing from both the North and South. While he sympathizes with the Southern perspective on slavery, he also agrees with the Northern belief that it is morally unjust. He struggles to fully comprehend his feelings towards African Americans in general and even entertains the notion of repatriating them to Africa (Johnson p. 17). During his political career in 1854, Lincoln’s craving for widespread support shapes how he addresses the issue of slavery. As he becomes more immersed in politics, he gains increasing attention and endorsement. After running against Douglas for the Senate, he authors a campaign biography to raise awareness about his ideals. Subsequently, he travels to New York in the early 1860s where he delivers speeches in Manhattan, winning favor among Northerners and establishing himself as a viable Republican candidate for the northeast.
As Lincoln’s support increased, his understanding of the country and the political structure also grew. He recognized that the constitution protected slavery and that an amendment was necessary to address it. Instead of completely abolishing slavery, his new stance was to initially prevent its expansion. Once confined to a few states, he could then focus on resolving the issue entirely. I believe that his change in perspective regarding how to address slavery emerged during his debates with Douglas for the senate, as he explored different regions of America.
Lincoln’s position on slavery evolved over time, from initially advocating for its immediate cessation to facing uncertainty regarding how to address the issue, and ultimately arriving at a workable solution. During his Cooper Union Address in New York City on February 27, 1860, Lincoln highlighted the fact that out of the 39 individuals who signed the Constitution, 21 believed that Congress, rather than the states, should have authority over slavery and prevent its expansion. By emphasizing this, Lincoln aimed to demonstrate that the Republican party’s position was not a novel concept but instead one that enjoyed support from a majority of the nation’s founding fathers.
Lincoln accuses southerners of falsely claiming to be conservative, while asserting that it is actually the Republicans who seek to uphold the values cherished by our founding fathers. He criticizes them for rejecting the previous policy established by our forefathers and advocating for a new approach, particularly regarding slavery control in specific territories. Lincoln’s statement reinforces his argument concerning the importance of respecting the desires of our nation’s founders.
Lincoln’s perspective on slavery undergoes a transformation once he assumes the presidency, and it is this final viewpoint that remains etched in history. In September of 1862, Lincoln issues the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, notifying the Confederacy of his intention to emancipate all slaves in the rebellious states. He emphasizes that from January 1 onwards, any slaves held within any state rebelling against the United States will be permanently liberated. The military will aid in enforcing this concept and assisting enslaved individuals in attaining their freedom. Additionally, on February 1, 1865, the thirteenth amendment receives approval.
According to Johnson (p. 197), the amendment states that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” This amendment, which was influenced by Lincoln’s earlier idea, has now been implemented. Abraham Lincoln is famous for his endeavors in abolishing slavery in America. However, throughout his political journey, he held various views on slavery due to factors such as his upbringing, the need for political backing, and his comprehensive knowledge of the nation.
Despite his defense of slave owners in court, Lincoln signed anti-slavery acts while serving in Congress. However, as he garnered political support and recognition, he developed a strategy to address slavery. Initially ambiguous, this plan gradually evolved as Lincoln gained a deeper understanding of America. Ultimately, in 1862, he affixed his signature to the Emancipation Proclamation and later to the thirteenth amendment which ultimately brought an end to slavery in America.
Works Cited
Michael P. Johnson edited the 2nd edition of “Abraham Lincoln, Slavery, and the Civil War,” a book published by Bedford/St. Martin’s in 2011. The book is currently available in print format.
On November 14, 2012, Jonathan Sheppard delivered a lecture called “Descent to Conflict”.
