Beyond the iconic image of the “Great Emancipator” and the log cabin-born president lies a more complex figure with a nuanced legacy.
While celebrated for his pivotal role in ending slavery and preserving the Union, Lincoln’s actions and beliefs were often far from the idealistic portrait we’ve come to expect.
1. Lincoln’s Goal Was to Preserve the Union & Not Abolish Slavery
Abraham Lincoln prioritized the preservation of the Union above all else than abolishing slavery. His primary concern was maintaining the integrity of the United States as a nation, rather than immediately abolishing slavery. This stance is evident in his famous letter to Horace Greeley, where he stated:
“My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that.”(ref)
Though controversial, this approach was rooted in Lincoln’s belief that the Union’s dissolution would be catastrophic for the future of democracy. He feared that a divided America would set a dangerous precedent and encourage other nations to fragment and undermine the principles of self-governance.
His initial motivation was rooted in the preservation of the nation, rather than solely ending slavery.
2. His Views on People of Color as Equals are Contradictory
Lincoln’s views on racial equality were more nuanced and, at times, contradictory. He publicly condemned slavery as a moral wrong, acknowledging the immense suffering it inflicted upon Black Americans.
In a speech delivered in 1864, as portrayed by Pedro Pascal in the docuseries “Amend,” Lincoln stated, “Your race are suffering, in my judgment, the greatest wrong inflicted on any people.”
However, Lincoln’s personal beliefs did not always align with his public rhetoric. He held reservations about full racial equality, believing in inherent differences between races. In the same speech, he continued, “But even when you cease to be slaves, you are yet far removed from being placed on an equality with the white race.”(ref)
3. Lincoln Blamed Black Americans for the Civil War
In 1862, Lincoln delivered a controversial speech titled “Lincoln’s Address on Colonization to a Deputation of Colored Men,” where he seemingly placed the blame for the Civil War on Black Americans. He argued that the presence of Black people in the United States had created racial tensions and ultimately led to the conflict.
This perspective was rooted in the prevailing racist ideologies of the time, which sought to justify the oppression and marginalization of Black people.
4. Lincoln Proposed to Relocate Black Americans to a Central America Colony
Beyond merely blaming Black Americans for the Civil War, Lincoln actively sought to remove them from the country through colonization efforts. He believed that racial tensions were too deeply ingrained in American society, and that the only way to achieve lasting peace was to separate the races.
In 1862, he proposed a plan to establish a colony in Central America, specifically in what is now Panama, where Black Americans could relocate and build a new life.(ref) This proposal was met with strong opposition from Black leaders, who rightfully viewed it as an unjust and discriminatory solution to a problem they did not create.
5. Lincoln Signed the Emancipation Proclamation to Win the War
While the Emancipation Proclamation is celebrated as a landmark document in the fight for freedom, the primary motivation behind its issuance was not solely moral.
Lincoln recognized the potential of the proclamation as a powerful tool to weaken the Confederacy and ultimately win the Civil War. By freeing slaves in Confederate territories, Lincoln aimed to cripple the Southern economy and bolster the Union army.
This strategic approach, evident in his own words, prioritized winning the war over the moral imperative of ending slavery, drawing criticism from abolitionists like Frederick Douglass who felt Lincoln should have acted sooner and with greater emphasis on the injustice of slavery.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
