Why Lincoln Pursued the Abolition of Slavery- Understanding His Vision for a Free Nation

Why did Lincoln want to end slavery? This question has intrigued historians and scholars for centuries. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was a firm believer in the abolition of slavery, and his efforts to end this inhumane practice had profound implications for the nation’s history. In this article, we will explore the various reasons behind Lincoln’s commitment to ending slavery and the strategies he employed to achieve this goal.

Abraham Lincoln’s motivation to end slavery was rooted in several factors. Firstly, he was a firm believer in the principles of equality and justice. Lincoln grew up in a society where the institution of slavery was deeply ingrained, but he was appalled by the injustice and cruelty it represented. He was particularly moved by the plight of the enslaved individuals and their struggle for freedom.

Secondly, Lincoln was influenced by the religious beliefs of his family and the society in which he lived. Many early Americans, including Lincoln’s parents, were of the Baptist faith, which emphasized the importance of freedom and equality. Lincoln’s own religious beliefs played a significant role in shaping his views on slavery and his determination to fight against it.

Furthermore, Lincoln’s political career was closely tied to the issue of slavery. As a member of the Whig Party and later the Republican Party, he was part of a movement that sought to limit the expansion of slavery into new territories. Lincoln’s belief in the principle of “popular sovereignty,” which allowed each state to decide whether to allow slavery, was a means to gradually erode the institution.

One of the most significant events that fueled Lincoln’s desire to end slavery was the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. This legislation allowed the residents of Kansas to decide whether to permit slavery, effectively nullifying the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Lincoln saw this as a direct attack on the principles of equality and justice, and it solidified his resolve to fight against the expansion of slavery.

Another crucial factor in Lincoln’s commitment to ending slavery was his belief in the unity of the nation. As the country was increasingly divided over the issue, Lincoln saw the abolition of slavery as a way to heal the wounds and bring the nation together. He believed that the institution of slavery was a moral and political cancer that threatened the very fabric of American society.

Lincoln’s efforts to end slavery culminated in the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. This executive order declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were to be set free. While the proclamation did not immediately free all slaves, it was a significant step towards the ultimate abolition of slavery. It also helped to galvanize the Union cause and mobilize the North in the fight against the Confederacy.

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln wanted to end slavery for several reasons: his belief in equality and justice, the influence of his religious upbringing, his political stance against the expansion of slavery, and his desire to preserve the unity of the nation. His determination to fight against the institution of slavery had a lasting impact on American history and set the stage for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.