"We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only, not ceased, but has constantly augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease,
until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed. 'A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure,
permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved-I do not expect the house to fall-but I do expect it will cease to be
divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other."
-Abraham Lincoln, 1858
How did Lincoln approach the issue of slavery in his speeches?
He avoided the topic because it was inflammatory,
He condemned slavery and affirmed the idea of African Americans' natural rights.
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He advocated for political compromise and the status quo.
He urged the gradual westward spread of slavery through popular sovereignty.