Abraham Lincoln: The Greatest Measure Of The 19th Century
Victory Kamau
Miss French
U.S. History
24/01/2016
Lincoln Essay “The greatest measure of the 19th century was passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in the world”. This quote was said by Thaddeus Stephens, when he was with his African-American mistress after the debate (Lincoln). The quote illustrates Abraham Lincoln’s and others’ arm-twisting and political maneuvering in January 1865 to secure passing of the 13th Amendment, which, when ratified by three-quarters of the states, abolished slavery throughout the nation. Thaddeus Stephens believed in the full equality of all human beings, both black and white. In the debate, he said that he believed only in equality before the law (Lincoln). The result was a violent outburst by his opponents, who accused him of lying and concealing his true beliefs, and disrespect from his fellow Radicals, who saw him as a sell out. Stephens had fought against slavery his entire career, but it was only by dishonestly hiding his real feelings and breaking lines with his fellow true believers that he was able to achieve his goal. Stephens saw what we, especially those of us who work with and write about politicians, should bear in mind: The means do matter, but not as much as the ends. Therefore Thaddeus Stephens, used foul means to contribute into abolishing …show more content…
And so, in pursuit of a constitutional amendment to ban slavery and as a result take the first giant step toward equality for all, Lincoln was prepared to do whatever it took. He understood that making legislative issues was often a distasteful exercise, particularly when it involved a House of Representatives. Lincoln also knew that the representatives would never pass the ban on slavery if he simply appealed to the better angels of their
Miss French
U.S. History
24/01/2016
Lincoln Essay “The greatest measure of the 19th century was passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in the world”. This quote was said by Thaddeus Stephens, when he was with his African-American mistress after the debate (Lincoln). The quote illustrates Abraham Lincoln’s and others’ arm-twisting and political maneuvering in January 1865 to secure passing of the 13th Amendment, which, when ratified by three-quarters of the states, abolished slavery throughout the nation. Thaddeus Stephens believed in the full equality of all human beings, both black and white. In the debate, he said that he believed only in equality before the law (Lincoln). The result was a violent outburst by his opponents, who accused him of lying and concealing his true beliefs, and disrespect from his fellow Radicals, who saw him as a sell out. Stephens had fought against slavery his entire career, but it was only by dishonestly hiding his real feelings and breaking lines with his fellow true believers that he was able to achieve his goal. Stephens saw what we, especially those of us who work with and write about politicians, should bear in mind: The means do matter, but not as much as the ends. Therefore Thaddeus Stephens, used foul means to contribute into abolishing …show more content…
And so, in pursuit of a constitutional amendment to ban slavery and as a result take the first giant step toward equality for all, Lincoln was prepared to do whatever it took. He understood that making legislative issues was often a distasteful exercise, particularly when it involved a House of Representatives. Lincoln also knew that the representatives would never pass the ban on slavery if he simply appealed to the better angels of their