5 Unpleasant Facts About Abraham Lincoln That Are Often Avoided

      Abraham Lincoln is regarded as an American hero, albeit an imperfect one. While we honor his legacy, it's essential to confront some harsh realities reflective of the era in which our 16th president lived.

      During his presidency, which commenced just before the Civil War in 1861, Lincoln took a decisive and brave stance for his time, and he was indeed more progressive than many of his white peers.

      However, it is crucial to understand our nation's true history rather than just its most optimistic interpretation. Here are some uncomfortable truths about Lincoln that accompany the commendable aspects of his character.

      Lincoln Prioritized Preserving the Union Over Abolishing Slavery

      Lincoln’s primary objective during his presidency was preserving the Union, not freeing enslaved people. Christopher Bonner, a historian at the University of Maryland, observes in Netflix’s documentary Amend, “Lincoln recognizes slavery as wrong, which is a positive start. However, he also states that if he could preserve the Union without liberating any slaves, he would."

      Lincoln was determined to bring the South back into the fold, and at this moment, he was willing to do what was necessary to achieve that, even at the cost of sacrificing the interests of Black Americans, according to Smith.

      You can find evidence of this in Lincoln’s letter from August 22, 1862, where he wrote, “If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would do that too.”

      He Did Not Always Consider People of Color as Equals

      In 1861, Abraham Lincoln held a meeting with a group of African-American leaders at the White House, as noted by Columbia University historian Eric Foner. Rather than fostering a conversation about racial equality in America, he reiterated their inequality.

      In Amend, Pedro Pascal reads from Lincoln's address during that meeting, where he stated, “Your race is suffering, in my opinion, the greatest wrong inflicted upon any people. Yet, even after you are no longer enslaved, you are still far from being equal to the white race.”

      Lincoln Attributed the Civil War to Black Americans

      In his aforementioned address, Lincoln further remarked, “Consider the truth that, but for your race among us, there could be no war.”

      You don't need to rely solely on Netflix for this information. Here is a link to a primary source, “Lincoln’s Address on Colonization to a Deputation of Colored Men.”

      Lincoln Proposed Relocating Freed Black Americans to a Central American Colony

      “There is a reluctance on the part of our people, harsh though it may be, for you, free colored people, to stay with us,” Lincoln stated. “Thus, it would be better for us to be separated. The location I’m considering for a colony is Central America.”

      Indeed, Lincoln once considered the complete removal of Black individuals from the United States.

      Bonner explains that Lincoln was addressing the deep-seated uncertainty among Black people regarding their belonging in this nation. He acknowledged the supposed ideals of equality while practically reinforcing that true racial equality was unattainable.

      Frederick Douglass's Response to Lincoln

      Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist and former slave, was outraged by Lincoln's stance. His solution was to persuade Lincoln that he needed Black Americans to secure a victory in the war, aiming to encourage white Americans to view Black individuals as equals.

      Douglass argued that Lincoln could not conclude the war without abolishing slavery and emphasized that Black men were vital to the war effort, declaring that men “who would be freed themselves must strike the blow." His reasoning was that if Black men fought and bled for their country, they deserved to be recognized as citizens.

      The Primary Motive for Lincoln Signing the Emancipation Proclamation? To Conquer the War

      Douglass’ strategy was effective. Although Lincoln initially couldn’t envision a biracial America, as Foner asserts, “his perspectives began to evolve significantly.”

      Foner adds, “The Emancipation Proclamation was issued as a military directive. Its purpose was to aid in winning the war.”

      The painting above illustrates the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first all-Black Union regiment, fighting for their country and freedom.

      Disagree?

      Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and provide sources. We welcome open discussions about our nation's history.

      Thank You for Engaging with This List of Unpleasant Facts About Abraham Lincoln

      You might also appreciate this compilation of movies Based on a True Story, including Malcolm X.

      Amend: The Fight for America is currently available for streaming on Netflix.