Why Lincoln ended slavery

Abraham Lincoln's challenging childhood motivated him to end slavery. CNN's "Race for the White House: Lincoln vs. Douglas" airs Sunday, March 13 at 10p ET.

[Flexmecca]

Fact :Lincoln: "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."

[stephencantnmbrs]

I don't mean to be that guy. But Lincoln ended slavery purposely for political reasons, not out of a moral obligation.

[pcbacklash_]

What almost everyone neglects to observe is that Lincoln's views on slavery actually evolved. It appears he was always opposed to slavery on principle, but he wasn't always an abolitionist. Also, in his earlier days he was actually a racist, believing the White race to be superior. However, as he became President and actually met Blacks, the ignorant racism of his youth disappeared and he became a committed abolitionist.

This is why we so often see the confusing, contradictory quotes from Lincoln regarding slavery and Blacks. They're simply from different periods in his lifetime. He grew, like most rational, moral human beings.

[MsEripmav]

Lincoln evolved. He said he didn't control events, but events controlled him. He wasn't the same guy at the end of the war as he was at the beginning. Like all of us, as he learned more he did better.

[seanbennett]

Apparently working on a farm once a week is the same as getting whipped and your family being taken away from you as a slave. Heck, there are people who work on a weekly basis on their neighbor's farm even now.

[fourironlionzion]

"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." -Abraham Lincoln

[rapidresponseteam]

A lot of people are saying how Lincoln ended slavery out of necessity (which is correct ). But in the end does it matter weather or not he ended it out of moral obligation or military tactic. What Lincoln did was debatably still one of the greatest turning points in American equality ( right behind Martin Luther king ) Regardless of why he did it. Also you never know maybe he did feel bad and wanted to free slaves from the beginning. This is a little biased considering I grew up thinking he was a hero because school and stuff.

[hoseadavit]

I don't care if it were for political agenda the fact is that without him slavery will never be abolish. And I know integration of black people into aociety is slow and hard task to accomplish but without a start there is no end

[stuckcase]

Because it is immoral. Just saved you 59 minutes of your life.

[greenman]

Lincoln NEVER ENDED SLAVERY.
The second version of the 13th admendment passed after his death ended slavery.

[travelingwithvanessa]

In the U.S., chattel slavery of humans was finally abolished in 2013. Slavery as a punishment still exists in America. Most people are not even aware of this fact.

[williamrobinsoniii]

bulshit Lincoln said that if I could keep the country together by ending slavery I would if I could keep the union together by let slavery go on I would!!!! not exactly the way he said it but that's s what her meant

[Misserbi]

Every single country needs to do this. I did not realize this is the reason we exist. We only exist for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We do not exist to be mocked, misused, lied to, and intimidated. Maybe that is what Lincoln was thinking?

[burningwolf]

Lincoln complaining about chores when all he wanted to do is play with his stick and hoop down the hill 😢

[russelljohnson]

"Forced Into Glory" is a book by Lerone Bennett, Jr. and it gives an accurate account of Lincoln's intent leading up to the Civil War and what he intended to do to the freed slaves once the war was over.

[kael]

"It's not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you."

[amiinelkey]

Lies, he ended it for political reasons

[frankzheng]

2016 CNN: do a video about Lincoln ending slavery

2020 CNN: doesn't show rioters taking down Abraham Lincoln statue

[SujoyBanerjee]

Democracy was never meant to be transactional. "you give me your vote and I'll make everything better". It requires an active and informed citizenry.

[omarsheriff]

He was more concerned with keeping the union a union than the freedom of slaves. That is why Fredrick Douglas was offended by the praise given to Lincoln because he didn't deserve it.