Abraham Lincoln was opposed to slavery both publicly and privately. His opposition to slavery led to the secession of a number of Southern states after his ascension. He, however, was obliged to save the Union above all else. He had to initiate a balanced strategy to achieve the end of slavery and maintain the structure of the Union. He suggested Compensated Emancipation, where slave owners within the Union would free their slaves and in exchange, be compensated by the government.

He believed the end of slavery would be achieved through amendments and proclamations entrenched and protected by the Constitution. This introduced conflict between the President and extreme abolitionists, who wanted an immediate and complete end to slavery during the war. However, the conflict ceased after the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued during the Civil War and sought to free all the slaves who were on the run from the Confederate territories or were in rebellious states. The proclamation which was an executive order was followed by the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that legally abolished slavery in America.

In this regard, Abraham Lincoln deserves credit as the “Great Emancipator” for the role he played in ending slavery.

I do oppose the extension of slavery, because my judgment and feelings so prompt me; and I am under no obligation to the contrary. (Lincoln, In a letter to Joshua Speed)

As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy. (Lincoln on democracy)