Part A.

1. Explain both a moral and political rationale for abolition.

The moral rationale behind abolition was mostly due to its inhumane nature. Christians

of the Baptist denomination in the North were pro-abolition and preached that God would not

“condone treating one race as superior to another”. Mormons preached that “it is not right that

any man should be in bondage one to another”. Catholicism, in general, was also against

slavery. Pope Gregory XVI published in 1839 “[We]... admonish and adjure in the Lord all

believers in Christ, of whatsoever condition, that no one hereafter may dare unjustly to molest

Indians, Negroes, or other men of this sort; or to spoil them of their goods; or to reduce them to

slavery; or to extend help or favour to others who perpetuate such things against them; or to

excuse that inhuman trade by which Negroes, as if they were not men, but mere animals,

howsoever reduced to slavery, are, without any distinction, contrary to the laws of justice and

humanity, bought, sold, and doomed sometimes to the most severe and exhausting labours.” The

general consensus behind the moral reasons for abolition was that it was inhumane and against

nature to hold one race above another.

The political rationale was more complicated than the moral rationale. The North had a

highly slave independent society, while the South was extremely dependent on slave labor. The

Union was divided in it's apparent morality. One reason that abolitionist felt politically inclined

was due to the image that slavery gave America. It went against the what America stood for and

could hinder its political purity. Not only did it give America a bad world appearance, it divided

the nation on a crucial issue. When both halves of the country have different core values and

economic systems, differences in other categories also become more apparent. This eventually

caused sectionalism which led to the Civil War.

Part B.

1. Explain Lincoln's position on slavery in the 1860 Republican platform.

Lincoln showed that he was against any existence of slavery in America or any of its

future territories. He gave the rationale that the founding father's ordained that “no persons

should be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law,” under the assumption

that African Americans are under the category of 'persons'.

2. According to his First Inaugural in 1861, what was Lincoln's primary objective when he

took office?

Lincoln believed that the Union was founded prior to the Declaration of Independence

and its virtues should continue to stand throughout its revisions. Basically, his goal was to create

a more perfect Union, and to insure “that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the

states”.

3. When Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, what was his motive?

His most important motive in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation was not to free the

slaves, but to save the Union. He did not want the South seceding and had tried to compromise

with them to keep them together. However, after all of his efforts failed, he enacted his only

remaining option.

4. To which states did the Emancipation apply?

The document claims that all persons held within “any State, or designated part of a

State” would be considered free.

5. Why did the Emancipation Proclamation not free any slaves immediately?

Because it didn't give the government the power to free the slaves. It simply stated that

they were free, as soon as they freed themselves.

6. What role did Lincoln play in enacting the Thirteenth Amendment?

He used his influence to convince two thirds of the House of Representatives to vote for

the enactment of the Thirteenth Amendment.

7. Lincoln has often been referred to as the “Great Emancipator.” Which of his actions

primarily accounts for his holding that title? Explain your answer.

The Emancipation Proclamation sounds like it would be the answer, however, this

proclamation simply was an effort to mend the integrity of the Union before it collapsed. What

really earned him that title was his efforts in enacting the Thirteenth Amendment, which formally

freed the slaves, instead of just hinting at it.

Part C.

Individuals of religious and social standings played a large role in inciting the motivation

for abolition or generating support for the reform of the institution of slavery. Political leaders

attempted to use these moral conflicts as passageways to get votes, but eventually economic and

political factors became their prime talking points.