Why did Lincoln end slavery in America?

Like his views on emancipation, Lincoln's position on social and political equality for African-Americans would evolve over the course of his presidency. ... read more

Lincoln did not end slavery in America. Remember, well before Lincoln was ever born slavery was already illegal in many states, especially in New England. Also, the Constitution had already ended the slave trade by 1808. read more

Though Lincoln saw himself as working alongside the abolitionists on behalf of a common anti-slavery cause, he did not count himself among them. Only with emancipation, and with his support of the eventual 13th Amendment, would Lincoln finally win over the most committed abolitionists. read more

In 1863, Lincoln ordered the freedom of all slaves in the areas "in rebellion" (the Confederacy) and insisted on enforcement freeing millions of slaves, but he did not call for the immediate end of slavery everywhere in the U.S. until the proposed 13th Amendment became part of his party platform for the 1864 election. read more