Lincoln's Views on Race and Slavery Introduction: Historians have continually argued whether or not President Lincoln was truly deserving of the title the “Great Emancipator.” Some believe that Lincoln played a key role in emancipation. Historians argue that it was ultimately his sense of agency that led to the emancipation of slaves and the ultimate destruction of the institution itself. Other historians argue that Lincoln was pulled into abolition and was quite a reluctant emancipator. Instead historians believe that there were other key people who played a decisive role in the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, a role that Lincoln himself was hesitant to step into. There are even a few critics of Lincoln who ridicule his leadership during the Civil War. While historians continue to debate Lincoln’s role in emancipation it is up to you to dive deep into the time period and decide for yourself.
The documents throughout this website offer evidence which will help to guide your understanding of what Lincoln believed about slavery, race, and emancipation. Today these topics often get lumped together however Lincoln often tried to firmly separate such topics. Essential Questions: What political role did Lincoln play in the destruction of slavery? Why did Lincoln try to separate some aspects of race and equality from emancipation? Do you think President Lincoln was truly deserving of the title the "Great Emancipator"? An Evolution on Ideas and Actions Regarding
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Racenoun
each of the major divisions of humankind, having distinct physical characteristics: people of all races, colors, and creeds. Freedomnoun
the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint: we do have some freedom of choice |
Equalitynoun
the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities: an organization aiming to promote racial equality. Emancipationnoun
the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation: the emancipation of feminist ideas. |
Student responses to key terms: race, equality, freedom and emancipation.
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