Abraham Lincoln: The Fabled Liberator
Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States is seen as the Great Emancipator' of the Negroes. However it is evident that Lincoln's own political ambitions played a greater role in influencing his views towards slavery. His desire for the liberation of slaves contained elements of politics, and his primary goal was to preserve the "union". The Negro liberation was not initiated by Lincoln's attempt to ban the expansion of slavery; rather it was to serve for the benefit of the superior whites. On the eve of the war of secession Lincoln viewed the slaves just a labor force that was essential to the southern resistance.
Lincoln served his own political interest, and wasn't concerned in direct intervention within slave states. He saw slavery as a political hot pot and was merely adhering to Republican politics. On July 4 1861, Lincoln addressed the Congress and reaffirmed that he had
"No purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with slavery in the states where it exist" (McPherson, pg 312).
He also made the remark that if he could save the Union and not free slaves he would, and that if he could save the union and free all slaves or even just a few he would do so (McPherson, pg 510). Lincoln didn't provide any insight on the elimination of the south's beloved institution; he did however express a hatred of the expansion of the "unusual institution" during the Lincoln-Douglas debates. However he said nothing about the abolition of the institution of slavery. By avoiding the issue of liberation he gained the support of non abolitionists and secured the anti-slavery vote. Lincoln was accused by Senator Douglas of supporting black citizenship and equality during the famous debates. Lincoln found this accusation very offensive and countered it by stating:
"I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing in anyway the political and social equality of the white and the black races
.. There is physical difference...
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