Question

Below is a letter written by US president Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. The letter is written to a mother who lost five sons fighting for the Union army Lincoln commanded. which of the following describes the bias contained in Lincolns letter?

Answer 1

Abraham Lincoln's letters, including the one to a mother who lost five sons in the Civil War, may reflect his initial bias toward preserving the Union over abolishing slavery, despite his personal opposition to it. Over time, Lincoln recognized the crucial role of black soldiers in securing Union victories, which influenced his later policies and correspondence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question regarding the bias in Abraham Lincoln's letter to a mother who lost five sons in the Civil War can be understood in the historical context of Lincoln's presidency. Abraham Lincoln, during the initial phase of the war, prioritized the preservation of the Union over the abolition of slavery, despite his personal detest of the institution. His early policies, which included the idea of resettlement of freed slaves outside the United States, reflect a stance of gradualism and a belief that the Constitution did not allow for immediate emancipation. This bias towards preserving the Union could influence the content and tone of Lincoln's communications, including letters of condolence. By 1864, however, Lincoln's perspective had shifted to recognize the invaluable contribution of black soldiers fighting for the Union, as evidenced in his correspondence with Generals encouraging the recruitment of freed slaves into the army.