Is Abraham Lincoln “the great emancipator.” Abraham Lincoln is often hailed as the “Great Emancipator” for his role in freeing slaves during the Civil War. However, some historians have questioned whether Lincoln was truly committed to emancipation or if he simply saw it as a means to achieve other goals. This source analysis will examine different articles as they discuss Lincoln’s actions and statements on slavery to determine whether he was the great emancipator.
Foner, E. (2003). Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator. Web.
In the article, Eric Foner discusses whether or not Abraham Lincoln can be considered the “Great Emancipator.” He argues that while Lincoln was certainly an important figure in the abolition of slavery, he was not solely responsible for this achievement. Foner points to the many other individuals and groups involved in the fight against slavery, both before and during Lincoln’s presidency1. He concludes that while Lincoln was an important leader in this cause, the term “Great Emancipator” is too simplistic and does not do justice to the many others who contributed to the abolition of slavery. Foner’s article is generally objective and well-researched, but there are a few places where his personal biases and perspectives come through. For example, he is sympathetic to Lincoln and the Republican Party and critical of the Democrats and slavery. He also downplays the role of religion in Lincoln’s life, which may be due to his secular worldview. Overall, though, this is a fair and balanced article.
The article by Foner is important in this question which discusses whether Abraham Lincoln can be considered the great emancipator. Foner points out that Lincoln was not an abolitionist and did not initially support emancipation. Lincoln only came to support emancipation as a means to preserve the Union. Even then, Lincoln was not committed to equality for African Americans. After the Civil War, Lincoln allowed the Reconstruction process to be hijacked by white Southerners who instituted Jim Crow laws and other forms of discrimination. So, while Lincoln was responsible for freeing the slaves, this article argues that he cannot be considered the great emancipator. This article is credible since it provides a decision justified by an explanation that answers the question.
Worsley, L. (2022). Was Abraham Lincoln The ‘Great Emancipator’? | HistoryExtra. Web.
In this article, Lucy Worsley argues that Abraham Lincoln was not the “Great Emancipator” that many people make him out to be. She points to the fact that Lincoln did not free any slaves during his time as President and that he supported the Fugitive Slave Act, which returned escaped slaves to their owners2. She also argues that Lincoln’s main motivation for fighting the Civil War was not to free the slaves but to preserve the Union. While Lincoln eventually issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Worsley argues that this was more of a military strategy than a genuine desire to free the slaves. The article presents a biased perspective on Abraham Lincoln as the “Great Emancipator.” It cites Lincoln’s own words to argue that he was not motivated by a desire to end slavery but rather by a desire to preserve the Union. The article also downplays the role of the abolitionist movement in pressuring Lincoln to take action on slavery.
The article is relevant as it discusses why Abraham Lincoln can be considered “the great emancipator.” The article looks at Lincoln’s actions and policies toward slavery and emancipation and argues that while he was certainly an important figure in the abolition of slavery, he was not the “great emancipator” that some have made him out to be. This article fully answers the question by explaining that Abraham Lincoln is not “the great emancipator.”
Wilson, Kirt H. “Debating the Great Emancipator: Abraham Lincoln and Our Public Memory.” Rhetoric and Public Affairs, vol. 13, no. 3, 2010, pp. 455–79. JSTOR, Web.
In Wilson’s article, he discusses how Abraham Lincoln is remembered in the public eye and how that affects how he is portrayed in history. He argues that Lincoln is often portrayed as a saint or a martyr, which he believes disservice his legacy3. Wilson believes Lincoln should be remembered as a complex figure who made good and bad decisions during his presidency. The article argues that the public does not accurately remember Abraham Lincoln and that this is due to several factors, including the fact that he was a politician and that his actions during the Civil War were controversial. The author suggests that Lincoln’s memory is shaped by the biases and perspectives of those who write and teach about him. These biases and perspectives can distort our understanding of his legacy.
The article is relevant as it discusses in detail and with justifiable reasons whether Abraham Lincoln can be considered “the great emancipator.” The author argues that Lincoln was not the great emancipator and that he only freed the slaves because it was in the best interest of the Union. The author also argues that Lincoln was not a true abolitionist and only supported the abolition of slavery to preserve the Union.
STAFF, I. (2013). Debunking Lincoln, the ‘Great Emancipator.’ Web.
In the article, “Debunking Lincoln, the ‘Great Emancipator’,” the author challenges the popular narrative that President Abraham Lincoln was the main force behind the emancipation of slaves in the United States. The author argues that Lincoln was more concerned with preserving the Union than with freeing slaves and that the actions of abolitionists and slaves led to the end of slavery4. The article cites several examples of Lincoln’s actions that support this view, including his initial refusal to issue an emancipation proclamation and his opposition to giving slaves the right to vote. The author concludes by calling on Americans to learn the true history of slavery and its abolition, rather than the myths perpetuated about Lincoln and other white leaders. The article debunks the popular view of Abraham Lincoln as the “Great Emancipator.” It argues that Lincoln was not particularly committed to freeing slaves and that his actions were motivated more by political considerations than by morality. The article is written from a Native American perspective, and it is clear that the author is critical of Lincoln and his policies.
The article is relevant as it discusses whether we can consider Abraham Lincoln as “the great emancipator.” The article argues that Lincoln was not the great emancipator as he only freed slaves in the southern states and not in the northern states. The article also argues that Lincoln did not do enough to help African Americans after they were freed.
Guelzo, A. (2016). Let’s Not Play ‘Gotcha’ With the Great Emancipator | Essay | Zócalo Public Square. Web.
Dr. Guelzo discusses the dangers of “gotcha” moments in American history in this article. He argues that these moments, when people are caught doing something that contradicts their public persona, are often used to discredit them5. This is especially true regarding historical figures, often judged by modern standards. Dr. Guelzo uses the example of Abraham Lincoln, who is often portrayed as a racist. However, Dr. Guelzo argues that Lincoln was not a racist but a product of his time. He argues that Lincoln’s actions should be judged in the context of his time, not by modern standards. A historian writes the article, so it is likely to be objective. However, the author does have some biases. For example, he is a white male who lives in the United States. These factors could influence his perspective on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.
The article does a good job of arguing that we cannot consider Abraham Lincoln as “the great emancipator.” The author points out that Lincoln was not an abolitionist and did not do anything to free slaves directly. Instead, Lincoln’s actions during his presidency were more focused on preserving the Union. While it is true that Lincoln’s actions did eventually lead to the emancipation of slaves, the author argues that this was not his primary goal. Therefore, we cannot consider Lincoln as “the great emancipator.”
Having read and analyzed the five articles about Lincoln and whether he is “the great emancipator,” I can confidently conclude that Lincoln is “the great emancipator.” All of the above sources agree unanimously that even though Lincoln freed the slaves, he was not worth the title of “the great emancipator.” I am satisfied with the responses from the analysis of the sources because they justify with reasonable examples why Lincoln was not “the great emancipator,” I am fully convinced with the answer I got from the sources.
Bibliography
Foner, E. (2003). Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator?. Web.
Worsley, L. (2022). Was Abraham Lincoln The ‘Great Emancipator’? | HistoryExtra. Web.
Wilson, Kirt H. “Debating the Great Emancipator: Abraham Lincoln and Our Public Memory.” Rhetoric and Public Affairs, vol. 13, no. 3, 2010, pp. 455–79. JSTOR, Web.
STAFF, I. (2013). Debunking Lincoln, the ‘Great Emancipator’. Web.
Guelzo, A. (2016). Let’s Not Play ‘Gotcha’ With the Great Emancipator | Essay | Zócalo Public Square. Web.
Footnotes
- Foner, E. (2003). Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator. Web.
- Worsley, L. (2022). Was Abraham Lincoln The ‘Great Emancipator’? | HistoryExtra.
- Wilson, Kirt H. “Debating the Great Emancipator: Abraham Lincoln and Our Public Memory.” Rhetoric and Public Affairs, vol. 13, no. 3, 2010, pp. 455–79. JSTOR,
- STAFF, I. (2013). Debunking Lincoln, the ‘Great Emancipator.
- Guelzo, A. (2016). Let’s Not Play ‘Gotcha’ With the Great Emancipator | Essay | Zócalo Public Square.