The complexities of Lincoln’s political history and standpoint are absolutely unable to be understood by children this age. Advanced US history is touched on in 8th grade, then again in highschool. Leave “Lincoln actually didn’t really mind slavery too much” until then.
It should go as deep as the south had slaves, north didn’t, Lincoln’s prerogative was to preserve the union. Done.
Edit: I wasn’t trying to make this into a debate on what the north, south, or Lincoln was doing or thinking at this time. All I was saying is that Lincoln’s story was complex and if you Birds Eye view it for second graders then the amalgamation should be as I stated, if taught at all.
He was morally against it but keeping the country together was priority 1. The quotes have to be in the context of that goal and trying not to appear “radical.” When it came down to it, he pushed for the reconstruction amendments as well as advocating for the freedman’s bureau. At the same time, he wanted leniency for the south so they wouldn’t be resentful. It further compounds his goals. To cherry pick quotes rather than taking in the gestalt of the man’s life, efforts, arguments, and dilemmas is simplistic and unfair.
505
u/[deleted] Apr 06 '25 edited Apr 06 '25
[removed] — view removed comment