Lincoln, the Great Emancipator? (In Class Essay for AP US)

Although Lincoln personally believed slavery to be an unfair and immoral institution, he claimed that he "was not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of white and black races," because he believed that keeping the Union together was more important than his personal beliefs. However, as the Civil War progressed, Lincoln was forced to re-evaluate his position on slavery and was enabled him to …

…they were no better than slaves. Although Lincoln abolishes slavery with his Emancipation Proclamation, he does not bring about the social or political equality of African Americans. Even though he seemed to have strong personal opinions on the matter, he did not let them get in the way of his political motives. He freed the slaves only when it suited his purposes, but in the long run, preserving the union was always Lincoln's primary goal.