Answer: Context: The quote is from a speech Abraham Lincoln gave in 1858 during his campaign for the US Senate. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Lincoln in 1862 during the Civil War, declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territories were to be set free.
Thesis: Despite his 1858 statement opposing social and political equality between whites and blacks, Abraham Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 indicates a significant shift in his beliefs and demonstrates his commitment to ending slavery in the United States.
Evidence 1: The Emancipation Proclamation marked a turning point in the Civil War and was a bold move by Lincoln to abolish slavery in the Confederate-held territories. This was a clear indication of his belief in the moral imperative to end the enslavement of African Americans.
Analysis and Reasoning: The issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation shows that Lincoln's views on race and equality evolved over time. He may have initially believed in maintaining the social and political inequality of whites and blacks, but as the Civil War progressed and he saw the devastating effects of slavery on the country, he came to the realization that slavery was an immoral and unjust institution that needed to be abolished. The proclamation was a step towards achieving social and political equality, even if it was limited to only those in Confederate-held territories.
Evidence 2: Lincoln's commitment to ending slavery was further demonstrated by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, which he strongly supported and was passed after his death. This amendment officially abolished slavery throughout the United States and provided constitutional protection for the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of race.
Analysis and Reasoning: The passage of the 13th Amendment was a clear reflection of Lincoln's commitment to ending slavery and promoting equality. This amendment was a historic step towards achieving full social and political equality for African Americans and demonstrated that Lincoln's views on race had evolved significantly from his 1858 statement.
In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln's 1858 statement opposing social and political equality between whites and blacks can be reconciled with his 1862 Emancipation Proclamation by understanding the evolution of his views on race and equality. Lincoln's actions, including the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation and his support of the 13th Amendment, show that he was committed to ending slavery and promoting equality, even if his views on these issues changed over time.