To what degree did Lincoln have a consistent approach to the issue of slavery?

Question

DOES THIS MAKE SENSE...I wrote: To a certain degree, from the time before the Civil War began up until to the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln had an inconsistent attitude towards slavery. But since Antietam until the end of the war, he adopted a consistent view towards the issue of slavery.

Ridge Valley High

Answer 1

That is right. Slavery was not a big issue at the outset of the Civil War. But it became a popular issue because of George Washington Carver(a free black man), who had meetings with Lincoln. Being a politician he jumped head long on the emmancipation bandwagon and championed freedom for the slaves. It was a popularity campaign at first but, as he became more educated on the plight of the slaves, he pushed the proclamation vigorously. Although he waited for the outcome of the battle at Antietem before making his decision to proclaim it.

Answer 2

This doesn't directly answer your Q but is an interesting footnote to history. When Lincoln freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation) he freed ONLY the slaves in the secessionist states. He knew if he freed all the slaves he would lose all his support so he make a flimsy and meaningless guesture that would partly satisy some of the people.

Answer 3

Lincoln had mixed views agianst and for slavery he didnt like slavery but he wasnt agianst till then







hope this helped