Final answer:
Lincoln held conservative views on racial equality, not favoring complete social and political equality of races but opposing dehumanization. Wade and Davis supported abolition, but, like Lincoln, were hesitant on equality. During Reconstruction, abolitionists and free blacks advocated for integration and civil rights, despite widespread racism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis had differing attitudes toward minorities and the issue of racial equality. Lincoln, while not advocating for social and political equality between white and black races as mentioned in his fourth debate, did oppose the dehumanization of blacks and proposed the Ten Percent Plan in Louisiana, expressing optimism due to the diverse population supporting a constitution barring slavery. Lincoln believed in superior positioning for the white race but wanted to prevent the dehumanization of African Americans, push for legal equality, and protect civil liberties. On the other hand, the moderate stance of Wade and Davis left out provisions for black suffrage aligning with Lincoln’s cautious approach, preferring abolition but not equality.
During the Reconstruction era, the majority in the North, including free blacks and white liberals like Frederick Douglass and Charles Sumner, fought for a stronger focus on integrating society and securing voting rights for blacks. They emphasized the importance of equality before the law and other civil liberties as essential for a better life. However, widespread racism and restrictions on black votes and movements persisted, demonstrating a complicated attitude toward racial equality.