As leader of the Republican Party, Lincoln was outspoken in his views on slavery and expressed them during the debates of 1858. Which of the following would best fit with his position?

Answer 1

Abraham Lincoln held a position that was against the expansion of slavery into new territories and states, although he did not initially advocate for the immediate abolition of slavery where it already existed. During the debates of 1858, particularly his debates with Stephen A. Douglas, Lincoln articulated his belief in limiting the spread of slavery, arguing that while he believed slavery was morally wrong, he did not have the constitutional authority to abolish it in states where it was legal.

The best fit with his position would be a statement emphasizing the restriction of slavery's expansion, such as: "Slavery is wrong, and it should not be allowed to spread into the new territories and states of the Union." Lincoln's views also included a strong belief in the principles of the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing that all individuals have a right to freedom and equality, which he contrasted with the institution of slavery.