Second Paper: Lincoln, Slavery, and Race
For this assignment, you are to write a formal paper that is due at the beginning of class on November 17. Your paper must be 1000-1300 words (no more and no less), typed, and double spaced (please no covers). Your source for this assignment is a collection of Abraham Lincoln's speeches and letters (as well as a letter or two written by others about him). Your assignment, which is given in more detail below, is to explain his views on slavery and race. Your paper should be based upon and should address this collection. While you may refer to other sources, you are not required to do so. If, however, you do refer to other works, you must include them in a formal bibliography. References to specific ideas and passages — whether they are in the collection of letters or other works — must be cited, using footnotes rather than endnotes. The rules of plagiarism, it should go without saying, do apply. Your paper will not be accepted without page numbers and the word count. Grades will reflect your ability to write an insightful, well-organized, and grammatically sound essay. In fairness to those students who labor to meet deadlines, late papers will be penalized.
Paper Topic: Lincoln is popularly remembered as the "Great Emancipator," and slavery is often argued to be a primary cause of the American Civil War. Yet, historians have not been able to agree with each other on these two topics. This assignment will prepare you for discussion of these issues and help you to appreciate their complex nature. Read through the packet of letters (click HERE for those letters), considering the following questions. What does he think of slavery and its future? Is he an equalitarian? What does he suggest should be the future for slavery and race relations? Are there inconsistencies and contradictions in his views? If so, why? After scrutinizing these letters, write a paper that explains Lincoln's views on race, slavery, and abolitionism.