What was Abraham Lincoln’s perspective on slavery?
Lincoln thought that the foundation of American democracy was the equalisation of rights and opportunities. However, he distinguished between fundamental natural rights, such the freedom from slavery, and political and civil rights, like the ability to vote.
He thought that the states should determine who could exercise these rights. Both Northern and Southern states frequently disallowed women and free black people from voting, serving on juries, and enjoying other such privileges prior to the Civil War.
Slavery, in Lincoln’s opinion, was “a grave evil.” However, he chose not to support the tiny group of Northern abolitionists who favoured an instant ban on slavery. Lincoln preferred to free the slaves over a period of time while paying the owners back with public cash.
Lincoln was also in favour of allowing freed slaves to start colonies abroad with the help of the government. Lincoln believed that they will finally have equal political and civic rights in their own black nations.
Lincoln joined Henry Clay’s Whig Party in 1832, when his political career in Illinois got underway. Lincoln was chosen by Illinois voters to serve in both the state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives, but he had little impact.
What was Abraham Lincoln’s perspective on slavery?
After his service in Congress came to a close in 1848, Lincoln made the decision not to seek reelection. After that, he opened a successful legal office in Springfield, Illinois.
However, the contentious subject of bringing slavery into the Western territories lured him back to politics in 1854, ultimately propelling him to the presidency. His perspective on slavery made him a prominent personality.
