Question

How did douglass feel about lincoln and his stance on race?

Answer 1

Abraham Lincoln's racial stance was multifaceted, opposing slavery but not advocating for Black equality. He maintained white supremacist views, emphasizing the idea of a 'white man's government' while rejecting Black suffrage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Abraham Lincoln's stance on race and equality was complex and evolved over time. During the 1858 Illinois Senate race, Lincoln, who had found a political home within the Republican Party, was characterized by Stephen Douglas as a supporter of racial equality, which was a contentious issue at the time.

Lincoln emphasized that while he was against the dehumanization of Black people, he did not advocate for the social and political equality of Black and White races, aiming to maintain a position of white supremacy.

Despite this, Lincoln spoke against slavery, portraying it as a 'monstrous injustice' and an affront to 'the very fundamental principles of civil liberty.' His opposition to slavery was rooted in free labor principles rather than an endorsement of full equality for Black people.

By the time of Lincoln's presidency and throughout, he continued to prioritize the interests of the White population, indicating racial views that favored white supremacy.

While he moved to set Black people free from slavery, he also supported the idea that the United States was a 'white man's government,' even considering colonization as a solution if coexistence proved challenging. His interactions with Frederick Douglass also displayed a lack of interest in black suffrage and a mistrust towards Douglass personally.

Answer 2

Abraham Lincoln held moderate racial views and was against slavery but did not advocate for social and political equality for Black people. He was for ending slavery primarily as an injustice that threatened liberty but maintained a position against altering the racial hierarchy of the time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Abraham Lincoln and the Issue of Race

Abraham Lincoln, while opposing the institution of slavery, held moderate racial views and did not advocate for complete political and social equality for Black people. During his debates with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln distinguished himself as someone who was against the dehumanization of Black people but was not in favor of altering the social and political status quo of racial dynamics of the time.

Lincoln described slavery as a "monstrous injustice" that threatened the principles of civil liberty and human ability to better their condition. Despite this, his public pronouncements confirmed that while he was for the end of slavery, he did not support equal rights in terms of suffrage or social standing, as seen during his later interactions with Frederick Douglass and other proponents of Black suffrage.

Lincoln's stance evolved over time, and by the Emancipation Proclamation, his views became more aligned with the abolitionist cause, but he always maintained a pragmatic approach to the issue, measuring the political climate and public sentiment. This approach, whilst strategic, often caused disappointment among abolitionists seeking more immediate and radical change for racial equality in America.