Disciplines
American Politics | Ethics and Political Philosophy
Publication Date
2022
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.25778/vb18-0178
Abstract
Looking at the political thought of Abraham Lincoln, two major themes arise: slavery and racial equality. Development of his thought on these subjects spanned his entire life and is revealed through his speeches, public statements, and written works. With the sheer amount of thought that Lincoln dedicated to these subjects, it can be difficult to decipher where he truly stood on these issues. To come to a more concrete understanding of Lincoln’s thought regarding these subjects, this article offers multiple interpretations of each of these themes. Concerning Lincoln’s thought on slavery, three interpretations arise: the Anti-Expansion interpretation, the Moral Opposition interpretation, and the Union First interpretation. Concerning his thought on racial equality, two interpretations arise: the Expansion interpretation and Restriction interpretation.
Recommended Citation
Scofield, Abraham
(2022)
"Abraham Lincoln: Thoughts on Slavery and Racial Equality,"
OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 9, Article 8.
DOI: 10.25778/vb18-0178
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/ourj/vol9/iss1/8
