Lincoln

Lincoln

By Adam Tyler

Lincoln facing the issue of slavery

1. Lincoln was uncompromising as he refused to do anything about the Civil War until the 13th Amendment was signed, which would free all slaves, and then he would see if the war still continued or not from the Emancipation Proclamation. Thaddeus Stevens was uncompromising as he worried that Lincoln would turn his back on the Emancipation Proclamation and was stubborn in trying to convince others that blacks have just as much rights as whites. In the debate, Stevens eventually agreed that the amendment only represents legal equality and is not a declaration of actual equality, siding with Lincoln. However, Stevens still thought that the Emancipation Proclamation would stand after the war, while Lincoln didn't. Also, Stevens thought that Lincoln should have proposed to allow black people the right to vote (and make a better speech), but Lincoln just wanted to free them.

2. Lincoln's perspective revealed that he thought slavery was not good near the beginning of the film and he becomes more determined to end it at the middle to the end of the movie when he tries to get the House of Representatives to sign the 13th Amendment, similar to his letters stating that he originally just disapproved of slavery, but soon became more and more determined to end it. He even eventually yells at the Radical Republicans when they doubt the 13th Amendment will be passed, proving how far he will go to try to pass the amendment.

3. Lincoln believed that the 13th Amendment was essential since it would give more rights to people overall if slaves were freed, as he discussed with the Radical Republicans, as more people could make a difference in ending the Civil War and making peace with the Confederates. This was eventually accomplished at the end of the film when the Confederate leader takes his hat off to them and then left with his fellow Confederates on their horses.

4. The North was against slavery and for racial equality but felt that they wouldn't have enough support to make the 13th Amendment and end the war with the South, so some found it too risky to take action, as many argued with Lincoln that he wouldn't be able to do it (especially the Radical Republicans). The South was for slavery and against racial equality, so they wouldn't be too happy if the 13th Amendment was passed and most likely wouldn't stop the Civil War if they refused to the document, but they didn't want to keep fighting. It seemed like no peace would come out of this as they wanted completely opposite things, until they made an agreement at Appomattox Courthouse where it seemed The North got the better deal and freed all slaves.

5. People resisted the end of slavery as they feared this would lead to equality between everyone, and some people liked the power they had, so they didn't want someone "stealing" their power. The film actually depicted this as a matter of concern for power, as the Republicans and Democrats were fighting over it in the debate. However, the 13th Amendment was finally passed and slaves were freed, leading to more equality.