Abraham Lincoln:  Commander and Chief
. . . Abraham Lincoln takes on Slavery

To be Used with the Abraham Lincoln, Commander and Chief Learning Activity

Information to use with this activity can be found at the Lincoln & Slavery website.

    "Abraham Lincoln is often referred to as "The Great Emancipator" and yet, he did not publicly call for emancipation throughout his entire life. Lincoln began his public career by claiming that he was "antislavery" -- against slavery's expansion but not calling for immediate emancipation.  He was not an active "Abolitionist."
However, the man who began as "antislavery" eventually issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves in those states that were in rebellion. He vigorously supported the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery throughout the United States, and, in the last speech of his life, he recommended extending the vote to African Americans."  Visit the Henry Ford video covering America's history of liberty:  http://www.hfmgv.org/museum/liberty/about/tour.asp

Using actual words (spoken and written) of Abraham Lincoln, we can find out how he stood as President on the issue of slavery.  A Civil War was ongoing because of this issue.

These words of Lincoln are listed on the Abraham Lincoln & Slavery website (based upon a former NPS site) .  This activity will use these quotes as our main resource

Your Job . . .
In the selected readings above from Abraham Lincoln throughout his career, you can see a change in his attitude and feelings about slavery/equality/individual rights.  It is hard to understand how the 1850's political leader, even Abraham Lincoln, could think the way they did.  America was in a totally different value system in the mid 19th Century.  Slavery was a very important economic issue in the South, especially after development of the Cotton Gin.  The slave was basically treated as an investment, tool, and work-horse as such.  The Southern politicians were staunch about protecting the right of owning slaves.

Take on the role of a U.S. President, a Southern plantation owner/farmer with slaves, a northerner, a poor white farmer in the north and border states, and make decisions where you stand on the subject of SLAVERY or ABOLITIONIST.  Also, you will have to decide on the issue of expansion of slavery into the new Territories, later to be states.

It is difficult now to understand why slavery was ever allowed in the United States.  Why did it grow and become so important in the South?  Why did some Northerners fear the ending of slavery in the South?  What did President Lincoln do about slavery?      
Check the new PBS Slavery & the Making of America for timelines, and lots of information

1850's-1860's Individual or Group concerned with Slavery (Pro or Con)	Why slavery should continue?	Why slavery should end?
"A Slave" in the South, or in a Northern State  with fear of being returned . . . . . . .	.	.
Anti Slave Activist (Abolitionist) . . .   . . . .	.	.
Poor white farmer in the Northern/border states . . . . . . . . .	.	.
Southern Plantation owner/farmer   . . . . . . .	.	.
U.S. President   . . . . . . .	.	.
"You" as one of the above .groups, or even the President. Take on a role as one of the above and answer the questions in the boxes . . . . . . . .	.	.