Abraham Lincoln’s Verbal Battles: Terms He Used to Describe Slavery

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is best remembered for his efforts to end slavery during the American Civil War. Throughout his presidency, he used various terms to describe this complex and morally charged issue. This article explores the language he employed to discuss slavery and how he articulated his stance on the abolition of this institution.

1. Emancipation Proclamation: The Legal Framework

The Emancipation Proclamation was a landmark document that Lincoln signed on January 1, 1863. It officially declared that slaves in the Confederate states 'shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.' However, it's important to note that this proclamation was only legally binding in the states that were in rebellion against the Union. The legal implications of the Proclamation were significant but were not extended to the border states or the Union states in the north.

2. Illegal Status of Slavery

Following the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln began to refer to slavery as illegal in the Southern states that were in rebellion. In his Second Inaugural Address in 1865, Lincoln stated, 'If I could save the Union without slavery, I would do it; and if I could save it by slavery and slavery alone, I would do it.' This statement contrasts his earlier emphasis on the moral issue of slavery with his subsequent focus on the legal framework that had been established.

3. The Dialectical Language of a Statesman

Lincoln's language regarding slavery was carefully crafted to reflect the ideological and legal complexities of the time. The term 'illegal' reflected the evolving status of slavery within the legal context of the Union. It suggested that despite its continued practice in the South, the institution was no longer recognized as legitimate by the federal government.

Lincoln's use of terms like 'illegal' was not merely a form of legal jargon. It was a way of framing the issue that resonated with his broader moral and political objectives. By labeling slavery as illegal, Lincoln was able to rally a divided nation around a common cause, emphasizing the legal and moral imperatives of ending the institution.

4. Ethics and Law: A Marrow of a Man

Lincoln's approach to slavery is often described as a blend of pragmatism and morality. He understood that the abolition of slavery was not simply a matter of morality, but also a complex issue intertwined with legal and political realities. His use of the term 'illegal' underscores this nuanced and pragmatic approach.

Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address further emphasizes the moral and legal dialectic he employed in his leadership. In the address, he wrote, 'Fondly do we hope—but boldly do we now assert—that the slavery agitation is a death-agitation.' This excerpt highlights Lincoln's belief in the moral righteousness of his position while also acknowledging the legal circumstances that shaped his actions.

5. Concluding Reflections

The terms Lincoln used to describe slavery reveal much about his leadership style and the challenges he faced in ending the institution. By focusing on the legal status of slavery and using precise language, Lincoln was able to navigate the intricacies of the Civil War and lay the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery.

Lincoln's approach to the issue of slavery remains a central aspect of his legacy. His careful and calculated use of language continues to influence discussions about legal and moral obligations in times of crisis, making him one of the most revered figures in American history.