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Abraham Lincoln's Views Essay

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Abraham Lincoln lived his life in many times and contexts. Although his life was not directly impacted by slavery, Lincoln’s moral standards led him to take multiple stands against it. At this time, slavery was being called an economic necessity. Even in spite of that, Lincoln showed his positions. This is one of the reasons Lincoln is considered one of the greatest presidents of all time. The main reason for this, however, was his change of stance on slavery during the Civil War toward emancipation. Although many modern historians accuse Lincoln of changing his stance of slavery only to further his political career, a deep reflection and analysis of his political journey leading up to his presidency reveals that his views were changed out …show more content…

This can be seen in multiple Lincoln Douglas debates, when Lincoln pushes his ideas slightly forward toward the people. We see this when he says, “I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between the white and black races. Although there is no reason in the world why the negro people are not entitled to all the natural rights enumerated in the declaration of independence.” This is significant because it brings attention to the main issue instead of distracting, as Frederick Douglass had been trying to do. By saying this, he still pushes his ideas further while limiting himself as well. By limiting himself, he keeps people listening to him while still pushing his statement. This shows his wisdom and passion for this …show more content…

As the President of the United States of America, he has the most power in all the country. Therefore, there was no way or reason for him to have done it as a power grab or for political gain. Another instance where we see his true standpoints is during his speeches on reconstruction and his suggestions on the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. Lincoln’s speech on reconstruction shows his desire for liberty and equality for slaves further by establishing an amendment for the constitution that follows through with his emancipation proclamation stated earlier. Not only does it connect to the emancipation proclamation but goes all the way back to his speech on his Kansas/Nebraska act. Abraham Lincoln showed his beliefs all throughout his life, finally showing his beliefs in full light with his emancipation proclamation. Many historians accused Lincoln of changing his position on slavery only to further his political career; our deep reflection and analysis of his political journey leading up to his presidency revealed that his views were changed out of his desire for equality rather than for political gain. Although, Lincoln did not shape America only with his emancipation proclamation. He established three amendments to the constitution in his presidency. These amendments are some of the most important amendments made to the constitution. From the African American soldiers that fought

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