Abraham Lincoln Dbq

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Abraham Lincoln’s commitment to preserving the Union significantly shaped his policies on slavery, forcing him to balance his personal anti-slavery beliefs with political necessities. First, he prioritized union preservation, supporting measures like the Corwin Amendment to prevent secession. However, as the Civil War progressed, his policies evolved to include the Emancipation Proclamation and active support for the 13th Amendment, eventually aligning his official actions with his personal beliefs against slavery. Lincoln was committed to preserving the Union, and it was evident. Early on, in 1858, Lincoln gave a speech and predicted that the Union could not survive half slave and half free. This speech reflected Lincoln's understanding that …show more content…

This demonstrates how his mind is set on preventing further secession and maintaining the Union at any cost. Despite this Amendment never being ratified, it showed Lincoln’s dedication to preserving the nation. Lincoln’s practicality in supporting the nation covers up the fact that he stands against slavery. On August 22, 1862, he sent a letter to Horace Greenly stating, “If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it”(doc 5). In this letter, he clarifies that his primary goal is the preservation of the union, despite his feelings for slavery. Additionally, in a letter sent to A.G. Hodges on April 4, 1864, he states, “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.”(doc 8). Although he knows the immorality that comes with slavery, Lincoln explains that his personal feelings cannot interfere with the best interest of the country. As the Civil War progressed, Lincoln’s policies began to slowly align with his convictions. Lincoln stated, “I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within (the Confederate) States are, and henceforth shall be free”(doc