Early Life
This U.S. state, where Lincoln spent much of his early life, was central to his early views on slavery.
What is Illinois?
Lincoln's 1858 Senate debates against this Democrat focused heavily on the issue of slavery’s expansion.
Who is Stephen A. Douglas?
This 1862 battle gave Lincoln the confidence to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
What is the Battle of Antietam?
Lincoln believed this constitutional amendment, passed in 1865, was necessary to fully abolish slavery.
What is the 13th Amendment?
Lincoln’s death in 1865 left the future of this period, designed to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves, uncertain.
What is Reconstruction?
Lincoln's profession before becoming president, where he developed his skills in public speaking and argument.
What is a lawyer?
This 1860 election victory made Lincoln the first president from this new political party.
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863, declared slaves free in these specific regions.
What are the Confederate states?
The 13th Amendment officially abolished slavery, but Lincoln also wanted to provide this for freed slaves.
What is equality/protection under the law?
Many historians credit Lincoln with laying the foundation for these laws, which granted citizenship and voting rights to former slaves.
What are the 14th and 15th Amendments?
Lincoln’s early political hero who influenced his ideas on economic development.
Who is Henry Clay?
Lincoln navigated between radical abolitionists and conservative Unionists to keep these loyal slave states in the Union.
What are the Border States?
This key Union victory in the western theater helped turn the tide of the war after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
What is the Siege of Vicksburg?
This radical abolitionist congressman pushed Lincoln to go further in supporting Black rights and freedom.
Who is Thaddeus Stevens?
Foner argues that Lincoln’s views on race were complex and evolved over time, with his early support for this controversial colonization policy.
What is colonization of freed slaves to Africa or Central America?
The name of the party Lincoln originally belonged to before switching to the Republican Party.
What is the Whig Party?
Lincoln's suspension of this civil liberty during the Civil War was controversial but aimed to maintain national security.
What is habeas corpus?
Lincoln hoped the Emancipation Proclamation would encourage these people to flee the South and undermine its economy.
Who are enslaved people?
This radical abolitionist congressman pushed Lincoln to go further in supporting Black rights and freedom.
What is the Union?
Lincoln met with leaders of the Black community in 1862 to discuss this controversial idea, though he later shifted away from it.
What is colonization?
In his 1837 speech to the Illinois General Assembly, Lincoln condemned this institution, though he avoided radical abolitionism.
What is slavery?
Lincoln’s push for this 1862 law ended slavery in Washington, D.C., a key early step toward abolition.
What is the Compensated Emancipation Act?
Though significant, the Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately free slaves in these states.
What are the Border States?
Lincoln’s push for the amendment was solidified by his re-election victory against this Democratic candidate in 1864.
Who is George McClellan?
Lincoln’s legacy is debated, but his handling of this moral and political issue solidified his place as one of America's most revered presidents.
What is slavery?