Was It Morally Wrong for Lincoln to Undo Slavery?

The question of whether Abraham Lincoln's decision to abolish slavery was morally justifiable or wrong continues to provoke intense debate. Historians, ethicists, and everyday citizens have long grappled with the ethics and ramifications of Lincoln's actions, with many finding it a profoundly righteous and necessary step in the history of the United States.

The Moral Imperative Behind Lincoln's Decision

At the heart of the matter lies the stark recognition that slavery, in and of itself, is an inherently immoral institution. Only if one chooses to believe that a moral universe can be built by buying and selling human beings and then harnosing their work to create wealth that does not better the lot of the human chattel, can one justify the dehumanization and exploitation of African Americans. Such a universe, as Lincoln himself would have been keen to point out, is fundamentally flawed and unjust.

Lincoln's Decision: The Most Righteous Act in History

Abraham Lincoln's decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, ranks among the most morally righteous acts in the history of the republic. This decision, though difficult, was a critical step toward the abolition of slavery and the eventual realization of a more just and equitable society.

With my standard disclaimer in place on the internet, there are no universals. It is difficult to find serious thinkers who regard Lincoln's actions as a mistake or as immoral. The very notion of treating human beings as personal property, akin to livestock, is abhorrent and offends the moral sensibilities of virtually everyone. The fact that half the country seceded to protect their economy only underscores the corrupting influence that money and the desire for profit can have on human behavior.

Abolition and Its Overwhelming Support

That said, one cannot overemphasize the overwhelming support for abolition among serious thinkers and the broader American public. The idea that one race can claim dominance and ownership over another is fundamentally at odds with the principles of human dignity, equality, and justice. It is difficult to point to any single individual who could defend human trafficking and forced labor on moral grounds.

For whites like myself, the history of slavery is marked by a series of inexcusable and immoral actions. From kidnapping people from their homes, forcibly transporting them to America, and placing them on auction blocks to be auctioned to the highest bidder, these actions cannot be justified in any manner. It is a dark part of our history that is impossible to rationalize. Lincoln was not morally wrong in his decision to end slavery; he was morally correct in every essence of the word.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Equality and Justice

In conclusion, Lincoln's decision to undo slavery was not morally wrong but rather a morally necessary move towards a more just and equitable society. His actions helped to lay the foundation for the civil rights that we celebrate today, and his legacy remains a powerful inspiration for those who continue to fight for equality and justice.