Lincoln's Dilemma: Union or Slavery - A Closer Look

Abraham Lincoln, often hailed as one of America's greatest leaders, faced a complex challenge during his presidency. The question of whether he was primarily concerned with the preservation of the Union or the abolition of slavery has been a subject of historical debate. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of his stance, exploring key events and arguments that shaped his decisions.

Lincoln and the Preservation of the Union

Lincoln's main goal was the preservation of the Union, as he famously stated, 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.' Early in his presidency, he showed his commitment to this cause by offering verbal support to the Corwin Amendment, a proposed constitutional amendment that aimed to protect the rights of slave states. The Corwin Amendment stated that no amendment could authorize or give the federal government power to abolish or interfere with slavery in any state.

The Corwin Amendment and Lincoln's Position

The Corwin Amendment, proposed by Senator William Seward in December 1860, was a significant attempt to placate Southern states and prevent further secession. It offered a compromise by stating that states had the right to regulate internal affairs, including slavery, and that Congress could not interfere with this right. Despite his verbal support, Lincoln's position on the amendment indicates his strategic approach rather than a moral stance against slavery. This can be seen in his first inaugural address, where he declared, 'I have no objection to its becoming one of the organic laws of the nation.'

Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and Long-Term Goals

It is important to note that Lincoln's primary goal was to preserve the Union, and he was willing to avoid a civil war at all costs. This is evident in his policy of encouraging states to abolish slavery in exchange for federal funds. However, he was also committed to the long-term goal of eventually abolishing slavery. His Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863, proclaimed that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. This was a crucial step towards the eventual abolition of slavery.

Despite his public statements on the preservation of the Union, Lincoln also supported the original 13th Amendment, which would have protected slavery as constitutional and permanent. While this provision was later revised to abolish slavery, Lincoln's support for it, albeit temporarily, has been a point of scholarly discussion. His actions suggest that he saw a conflict between his strategic goals and his moral convictions.

Historical Context and Political Calculus

The political landscape during the Civil War significantly influenced Lincoln's decision-making. It took a few years for him to fully recognize the implications of the war on the political calculus. By the time the Battle of Antietam in 1862 led to the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln was increasingly focused on the long-term abolition of slavery. This shift reflected the changing dynamics of the war and the necessity for moral and political clarity.

The passage of the Corwin Amendment, which Lincoln initially supported, demonstrates the complex balance of political and moral considerations during his presidency. The ratification of the amendment by only a handful of states meant that it never became part of the Constitution. Nevertheless, it remains a significant moment in understanding Lincoln's strategic approach to the Union and slavery.

Lincoln's legacy is one of complexity, where moral convictions intersected with political pragmatism. His commitment to the Union at all costs and his eventual support for the abolition of slavery illustrate a leader who navigated a perilous landscape with strategic and moral clarity.