...As President, Abraham Lincoln often stated his wishes on ending slavery, but frequently claimed he could not violate the constitution. In a letter to Senator A.G. Hodges, Lincoln said that “It was in the oath I took that I would to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution”(Doc. H). Lincoln insisted that it was his job to support the constitution but in the end he violated it. In 1862, during the Civil War, Lincoln released the Emancipation Proclamation, a document that declared “all persons held as slaves with said designated states… are and henceforward shall be free.”(Doc. G) Lincoln violated the constitution by ordering confederate states to free their slaves. The confederate states did not have to free their slaves because the Emancipation Proclamation violated the constitution. Lincoln’s order didn’t do anything for the African-Americans held as slaves and just further angered the south. This shows Lincoln was just another politician and not...
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...Jared Varley Dr. Morgan HST 390 24 September 2012 Abraham Lincoln’s Political and Moral Slavery Dilemma The sixteenth President of the United States of America, the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln casts quite a historical shadow over any other competing figure. Lincoln was brought into the world on February 12th, 1809 to an incredibly modest upbringing in which he would mold himself into a successful lawyer and later a politician. Abraham received little formal education during his childhood, eventually acquainting himself with the law through the apprenticeship system. After rising through the Illinois legislature structure, Lincoln went on to serve in the House of Representatives on behalf of the state of Illinois before gaining widespread recognition from his debates with competing Senate candidate Stephen A. Douglas in 1858.The expansion of slavery into the United States new territories was the hotly contested issue of these debates, Lincoln’s stance would eventually propel him into the national spotlight and later the Presidency. Abraham Lincoln’s views on slavery were split between his political obligations and his moral beliefs, his political actions were influenced by his desire to preserve the Union, and his moral stance on the issue largely stemmed from his deep-seeded belief in the power of the Constitution, not the political or social equality of another race. Abraham Lincoln’s view on slavery was segregated in itself, between how he perceived the issue...
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...Alex McKirgan DATE \@ "d MMMM y" 17 December 2014 Is Lincoln deserving of the title “Great Emancipator” In 1863, Abraham Lincoln passed both Emancipation Proclamations in Congress which saw the abolition of slavery. Many would refer to Lincoln as the “Great Emancipator” because of his role in the passing of such a profound bill and a common belief by many is that Lincoln was in favour of the abolition of slavery right from the beginning. However, there is much evidence to show that Lincoln was not opposed to slavery given his his support for the Crittenden Doctrine, which restricted the ability for Congress to ever intervene with slavery. In addition to this, Lincoln was paralysed as President as any substantive opposition to Slavery could see another wave of secession of the border and Southern states. Lincoln was not the only factor which lead to the Emancipation Proclamation being passed. There was the role of Congress in allowing the bill to pass and the role of the slaves themselves for making the abolition of Slavery a Union war aim. This essay will explore the roles played by these three factors and then deduce whether Lincoln is deserving of this title. It can be argued by many that the main reason why the thirteenth amendment was passed was because of the role of the slaves at the time. The civil war created a chaotic scene across the border and Southern states which allowed many slaves to flee to the North as refugees. Despite Northern racism and bigotry...
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...President Abraham Lincoln: the supposed “Great Emancipator” who freed the slaves and won the civil war. That is how the story is told, but what is unknown is that slavery was never President Lincoln’s true priority. Just like any other President or Politician, during wartime (and the events leading up to war) his sole focus was keeping his country together. Slavery came second to this. While having this ideal, keeping the country unified, is not a bad priority, it definitely calls for a reevaluation of President Lincoln. He was not, truly, the Great Emancipator, but instead focused on his Presidential duties, just like another politician. First, it must be established that President Lincoln holding the unity of the country above slavery...
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...The Real Lincoln: A new look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War by Thomas J. DiLorenzo is about America’s 16th president and if he was the president that nearly all of today’s youth is taught he was. The Real Lincoln: A new look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War is extremely eye-opening and exposes truths that myself, and I’m quite sure most of America is unware of about the so-called “the Great Emancipator”. Just as Walter E. Williams addresses in the foreword, “...the war between the States was not fought to end slavery. Even if it were, a natural question arises: why was a costly war fought to end it?” (x). DiLorenzo had a goal in mind when writing this book and after reading I found he thoroughly...
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...AMH2010 Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator Throughout the history in the United States, there were many historical figures that contributed to the success of America and its establishment. One of the most important historical figures to ever take presidency in the United States was Abraham Lincoln. He has greatly influenced the world through his accomplishments and perspective on humanity that will forever have an impact on the world today. Lincoln had many achievements throughout his years of office, but is remembered for his essential role as the leader in preserving the Union during the Civil War and beginning the process of the Emancipation Proclamation that later ended slavery in the United States (Miller). Not only was Lincoln remembered for his great character and leadership, but also for his great determination and perseverance. To begin with, Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He was born into a backcountry family who moved to Indiana when he was seven. His parents were Thomas, a carpenter by trade and a farmer out of necessity, and Nancy Hanks. He had a sister, Sarah, who was two years older and a brother who died in infancy (Miller). When Abraham was nine years old, his mother tragically died, leaving him in the care of only his father, who, within the year of his wife’s death, remarried a widow, Sarah Bush Johnston. All throughout his childhood, Lincoln had to struggle to make a living and learn as well. He lived as a farmer, working...
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...Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and is regarded as one of America’s greatest heroes due to both his incredible impact on the nation and his unique appeal. He rose from humble beginnings to achieve the highest office in government. Lincoln’s distinctively humane personality and historical role as savior of the Union and emancipator of the slaves created a legacy that endures. His eloquence of Democracy and insistence that the Union was worth saving embody the ideals of self-government that all nations strive to achieve. He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln. Lincoln and his family moved from place to place due to a land dispute in 1817 when they moved from Kentucky to Perry...
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...in American history. The list of important and influential figures in American history is too long and numerous to list. Yet there is always one name, one man who stands above all the rest. Abraham Lincoln has come to define the American experience. His beginnings as a poor farmer in Kentucky to his rise in politics to his Presidency, his story fascinates everyone who reads and studies it. Abraham Lincoln is the epitome of what America is. He is Americas most cherished and beloved President and he may be the most well known American President in the world. Despite all the praise bestowed upon Abraham Lincoln there are those who do not buy into the ‘official’ Lincoln legacy. A small, but growing group of Lincoln detractors claim that Lincoln was not the father of freedom and liberty, the great emancipator and the savior of the union; they see Lincoln as a diabolical dictator. A man who took advantage of America in its darkest hour, a man who had no respect for the Constitution, he instead sought to destroy and undermine it every chance he got. Abraham Lincoln was President during America’s darkest hour; he saved the union and kept the country together. Lincoln was justified in the actions he took, despite attempts to paint Lincoln as a tyrannical dictator there is no question that Lincoln’s status as America’s greatest President is deserved and true. During his Presidency Lincoln met fierce opposition. This is not uncommon among Presidents; they are commonly held in higher regard...
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...Abraham Lincoln Through the course of American history there are names that stand out, names that represent more than just a person, but represent an era in American history. The list of important and influential figures in American history is too long and numerous to list. Yet there is always one name, one man who stands above all the rest. Abraham Lincoln has come to define the American experience. His beginnings as a poor farmer in Kentucky to his rise in politics to his Presidency, his story fascinates everyone who reads and studies it. Abraham Lincoln is the epitome of what America is. He is Americas most cherished and beloved President and he may be the most well-known American President in the world. Despite all the praise bestowed upon Abraham Lincoln there are those who do not buy into the ‘official’ Lincoln legacy. A small, but growing group of Lincoln detractors claim that Lincoln was not the father of freedom and liberty, the great emancipator and the savior of the union; they see Lincoln as a diabolical dictator. A man who took advantage of America in its darkest hour, a man who had no respect for the Constitution, he instead sought to destroy and undermine it every chance he got. Abraham Lincoln was President during America’s darkest hour; he saved the union and kept the country together. Lincoln was justified in the actions he took, despite attempts to paint Lincoln as a tyrannical dictator there is no question that Lincoln’s status as America’s greatest President...
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...Sl Slavery after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865 Kristina Kacanski HIST1030 – Life, Love, and Labour Prof. Rogers 211-565-827 "In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth. Other means may succeed; this could not fail. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just - a way which, if followed, the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless." – Abraham Lincoln1 Throughout the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, he managed to accomplish many great things. However, the greatest feat he managed to procure was in 1865, specifically, the Emancipation Proclamation. Even though his life was cut short 7 months prior to the officially ratification of the 13th amendment, he was and will always be known as the driving force behind this movement. 2 "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." (13th Amendment)3 So with the new amendment came a new tide of change. Right? Not according to most Southern states that refused to collaborate with the new adjustment. The question we can pose is “why did race continue to be a fundamental social problem in the United States after the abolition of slavery in 1865?” Throughout the research paper, the answer will hopefully be uncovered...
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...many Americans think of Abraham Lincoln, they think first of all, as the president who freed the slaves. He is immortalized as the "Great Emancipator," and widely regarded as a champion of black freedom who supported social equality of the races, and who fought the American Civil War (1861-1865) to free the slaves. In actuality, Abraham Lincoln did not fight the Civil War to free the slaves. He fought it to save the Union. He did not agree with slavery and one of the good things that came out of the Union being saved was the abolishment of slavery. (Gienapp, 2002). (Jenness, 2007). Abraham Lincoln was a self made man that rose mythically from humble beginnings to national greatness. He began life as a farm boy. He did not come from a family who believed in education. Despite this, Abraham Lincoln read books and done whatever he could to educate himself. He was a man that believed in honesty and caring for other people. After learning many lessons in life and climbing the ladder of success, his fine qualities landed him as the United States of America’s 16th President. He was successful in doing many great things for people and his community and eventually the United States. (Gienapp, 2002). (Jenness, 2007). He was embarrassed of his family background. He came from a poor family that was farmers. His life as a farm boy was spent doing chores, such as hauling water and chopping wood, and helping in the fields. His mother died when Abraham Lincoln was 9. His father...
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...political parties which included Radical Abolitionists and “Fire-Eaters”, two extreme groups that fought for their beliefs on slavery. These political parties drove citizens to form strong beliefs and therefore split the country into two sides – the North and the South, the Free and the Slaves States, and the Republicans and the Democrats. INVESTIGATIVE TEAM MEETING 2 DOES LINCOLN DESERVE TO BE CALLED THE “GREAT EMANCIPATOR?”...
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...Abraham Lincoln: A political Genius [Name of the writer] [Name of the institution] Abraham Lincoln: A political Genius Introduction In 1846, Abraham Lincoln was elected to federal congress. He was a resolute opponent of President Polk, fought the war against Mexico, summoning the president to declare in what place would have happened to the alleged violation of borders. He demanded the extension of rights of the Union against those particular States, abolitionists argued fiercely, calling for the abolition of slavery in the District (1849). He campaigned vigorously for candidates Whigs, presented himself unsuccessfully in the Senate (1849), and refused the governorship of Oregon. He made a brilliant campaign in 1855 and was presented by the State as candidate for vice-presidency of the republic, but not chosen. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln was carried to the Senate election against Stephen A. Douglas won. The debate focused mainly on the admission of Kansas into the Union as slave state or not slavery. The campaign was of utmost importance because Lincoln forced his competitor to speak out against the Dred Scott decision, which alienated some Democrats and then dividing this party, decided his defeat in the presidential election. For the Senate election, Abraham Lincoln had the majority (4000 votes) vote of the electors of the first degree, but the distribution of electoral districts secured eight-vote majority in which Douglas was re-elected. In 1859, he continued the...
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...“Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of September 22,1862, which declared slaves “forever free”, is the supreme moral moment of American history” (Wicker Pg. 1) Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was both a strategically smart move and a massive ethical victory to every slave in the U.S. Another effect was that it turned the war into a Northern crusade against slavery, and made the South seem like villains in comparison. It freed the slaves from their servitude, and gave the union a moral high ground to fight from. The Union would later win the war, but what would have happened if Lincoln had never given his groundbreaking speech? Although Lincoln did not believe in equality between the races, he would give the speech that...
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...Abraham Lincoln BEGINNINGS AND LIFE Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in a log cabin in the Kentucky wilderness. When be was a little boy his Grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War. He had a little sister by the name of Sarah. As he went to school he met a boy by the name of Austin. They instantly became friends more so best of friends. At first Abe wasn't allowed to go to school because he didn't have a good pair of britches. In his pastime he loved to read. When Abe was eleven, his mother died of what they called "milk sick" which occurred from drinking unpasteurized milk. That was four years after they moved to a new farm in southern Indiana. He had to live in an open shed throughout the winter. The same year his mother died, his father remarried. He married Sarah Bush Johnson. She brought three kids and a cousin Dennis Hanks. When Abe was nineteen, he worked as a boatman and make his first trip down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, the center of the slave trade. When Abe was twenty-one, he moved with his family to Illinois. However Abe's brother Thomas didn't make it to Illinois because he died of influenza. Soon after Abe made his second trip on the flatboat to New Orleans to defend the blacks and fight slavery. Abe served as a captain in the Black Hawk War and was defeated. Abe came back to Illinois and not long after was elected to the State Legislature and soon became one of the most promising young Whig party leaders...
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