Question

Which of the following best characterizes Lincoln's ideas about race and slavery during the 1858 elections?

1) He believed that slavery should be abolished and that African Americans should have equal rights.
2) He believed that slavery should be allowed to continue, but that African Americans should be treated as equals.
3) He believed that slavery should be allowed to continue, but that African Americans should not have the same rights as white Americans.
4) He believed that slavery should be abolished, but that African Americans should not have the same rights as white Americans.

Answer 1

Abraham Lincoln's stance in the 1858 elections was that slavery was an injustice that should not expand, and while he eventually wanted it abolished, he did not support social and political equality for African Americans, positioning him against the dehumanization of blacks without endorsing equality.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the 1858 elections, Abraham Lincoln's ideas about race and slavery were complex and have been the subject of much historical analysis. Addressing your question, Lincoln did not believe that slavery should continue indefinitely. He referred to it as a "monstrous injustice" and believed that it should not expand into new territories. However, Lincoln was not in favor of immediate abolition, viewing it as radical and unconstitutional. He hoped that slavery would eventually die out naturally. Moreover, Lincoln did not support the idea of social and political equality for African Americans. He aimed to maintain a superior position for the white race, as he mentioned in the fourth debate, while at the same time arguing against the dehumanization of blacks. This nuanced stance can best be characterized by the fourth option: Lincoln believed that slavery should be abolished, but that African Americans should not have the same rights as white Americans.