Final answer:
Abraham Lincoln did not support the social and political equality of white and black races, but he believed in legal equality for African Americans. His stance evolved to support some political rights for black men, including the right to vote for Union Army veterans.
Step-by-step explanation:
While Abraham Lincoln did not believe in the social and political equality of white and black people, he did believe that black people should have equality under the law.
In the historical context, Lincoln notably stated in a debate, "I am not...in favor of bringing about in anyway the social and political equality of the white and black races." Despite this view, Lincoln opposed the dehumanization of blacks and advocated for basic legal rights for African Americans.
His leadership during the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation helped redefine the purpose of the war, shifting it towards a fight for emancipation and citizenship for African Americans. Later, his views evolved somewhat to include provisions for extending voting rights to certain black men. However, it was clear that even among Northerners who opposed slavery, many were not supportive of full racial equality, reflecting the complex and varied attitudes of the time.