ABRAHAM LINCOLN
the evolution of his thinking on race, slavery, and rights
the fight for the 13th amendment & the turn towards equality
The last part of Lincoln's evolution was his fight for the 13th Amendment and his support for suffrage for blacks who had served in the war. Until this point, everything Lincoln said and did about slavery was founded on his desire to see the Union overcome one of the greatest trials of its history. The last four months leading to the end of the war is a turning point for Lincoln in his thinking about African Americans' role in the country. After seeing their valiant effort in the fight against the Confederacy and meeting with prominent blacks such as Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth, Lincoln saw blacks as a critical part of the country's future. These last two documents show Lincoln's desire for the passage of the 13th Amendment which would put a permanent end to the evil institution of slavery and his first and only public support for black suffrage.
last public address
april 11, 1865
message to congress
december 6, 1864
"At the last session of Congress a proposed amendment of the Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States, passed the Senate, but failed for lack of the requisite two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives. Although the present is the same Congress, and nearly the same members, and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those who stood in opposition, I venture to recommend the reconsideration and passage of the measure at the present session. Of course the abstract question is not changed; but an intervening election shows, almost certainly, that the next Congress will pass the measure if this does not. Hence there is only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment will go to the States for their action. And as it is to so go, at all events, may we not agree that the sooner the better? It is not claimed that the election has imposed a duty on members to change their views or their votes, any further than, as an additional element to be considered, their judgment may be affected by it. It is the voice of the people now, for the first time, heard upon the question. In a great national crisis, like ours, unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very desirable, almost indispensable. And yet no approach to such unanimity is attainable, unless some deference shall be paid to the will of the majority, simply because it is the will of the majority. In this case the common end is the maintenance of the Union; and, among the means to secure that end, such will, through the election, is most clearly declared in favor of such constitutional amendment..."
