“My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln makes it clear that the preservation of the Union was his primary goal during the Civil War, rather than the abolition of slavery. He acknowledges that while he personally opposed slavery, his main objective was to keep the United States unified and prevent the country from splitting apart. This pragmatic position reflects Lincoln’s understanding that the Union’s survival was essential for the future of the nation, and he was willing to adopt various strategies, including compromises on slavery, if they would help achieve that goal. His statement also reflects the political reality of the time, as he sought to balance the moral imperative of ending slavery with the political necessity of maintaining Northern support and avoiding further alienation of the South.
Historically, this quote speaks to Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, especially in relation to the delicate nature of the Emancipation Proclamation. While Lincoln had moral reservations about slavery, he initially prioritized the Union over its abolition. This quote also highlights the difficult political and ethical decisions Lincoln faced as he navigated the divide between the Northern abolitionist movement and the Southern states that depended on slavery for their economic system. His decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 was a calculated move, one that would both weaken the Confederacy and solidify the Union’s moral high ground, but it came after he concluded that preserving the Union was still the most crucial goal.
In modern times, this quote illustrates the complexity of leadership in times of national crisis. Lincoln’s willingness to prioritize the greater good of the Union over a singular issue like slavery shows the importance of pragmatic decision-making in political leadership. In today’s world, it serves as a reminder that leaders often face tough choices that require balancing moral values with practical realities. The quote also resonates with ongoing political debates where leaders must navigate complex issues and make strategic decisions for the long-term benefit of the nation, sometimes at the expense of immediate ideals or goals. It underscores the idea that leadership often involves difficult trade-offs, and the greater good must sometimes take precedence over other concerns.
