Abraham Lincoln Dbq

Abraham Lincoln believed that all men were created equal. In his speeches and debates with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln made clear his opposition of slavery. Due to this, there were many mixed feelings amongst Americans regarding Lincoln's suitability as a candidate for the United States Presidency. Just like in today’s world, slavery is an implausible idea that would never be accepted, so too was the idea to abolish slavery back in those times. Although Lincoln proved to be an impactful President in American history, during that time he didn’t appeal to most of the nation and thus was a controversial figure. Abraham Lincoln was both loved and hated during his time as President of the United States. His opposition to slavery awarded him many supporters …show more content…
Lee were some of Lincoln’s opponents. Robert E. Lee was the general of the Confederate army and a strong believer in slavery. Stephen Douglas was a politician who designed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed states to decide for themselves if they want to remain a state with slavery or become a free state (Historynet). Douglas, while running against Lincoln for senator, also led campaigns against Lincoln saying that Lincoln would “make slaves of white man and free man of black slaves” and that the goal of Lincoln and the Whigs was “to make the negro the equal of the white man” (Blumenthal …show more content…
Lincoln won the support of the blacks because he wanted to abolish slavery. He also won the support of the North because he wanted to preserve the union. In his spare time, Lincoln would visit the Depot Field Hospital in Virginia. He would shake hands with nearly all the kids, tell jokes and make them laugh - which pleased them greatly. An agent for the U.S. Christian Commission said, “he had the manner of a gentleman – I may say of a gentle gentleman”. Lincoln would also go to wounded soldiers, assuring them that the war is almost over and then wish them a speedy recovery. Among those wounded soldiers were confederate soldiers who were treated by Lincoln the same way. Among those Confederates was Colonel Harry L. Benbow, who had been captured at Five Forks. When Lincoln approached Colonial Harry L. Benbow and offered his hand, the Colonial told him who he was and that he has fought against Lincoln for the past four years. Lincoln didn’t care. He treated Union and Confederate soldiers alike. Every soldier that Lincoln came to meet would say the same thing; how nice he was and how restless he looked. When he returned to his stateroom, Lincoln would admit to his mother how hard it was and how he wished he could rest (Civil War