“In so far as the government lands can be disposed of, I am in favor of cutting up the wild lands into parcels so that every poor man may have a home.”
- 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
“In so far as the government lands can be disposed of, I am in favor of cutting up the wild lands into parcels so that every poor man may have a home.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Abraham Lincoln’s deep commitment to economic opportunity and land reform. By advocating for the division of government-owned lands into small parcels for the poor, Lincoln sought to enable the common man to own property, which he viewed as a foundation of independence and security. The idea was to make land more accessible to those who were economically disadvantaged, thereby promoting a sense of ownership and self-sufficiency. Lincoln’s belief in democracy was rooted in the idea that all individuals should have the opportunity to better their circumstances, especially through land ownership, which was a primary means of wealth and stability in 19th-century America.
The historical context of this quote is tied to the expansion of the United States into the western territories during the 19th century. The government owned vast swathes of land that had been acquired through treaties, purchases, and wars, such as the Louisiana Purchase and the Mexican-American War. Lincoln saw this land as a potential means of improving the lives of poor Americans, many of whom lived in poverty, particularly in the urban East or on small family farms. His support for land reform and the Homestead Act reflected his belief that land ownership was crucial to individual freedom and the success of the American Republic.
In modern times, Lincoln’s approach to land distribution can be viewed as an early form of welfare reform—an effort to empower individuals by providing them with the means to support themselves. His focus on land as a means of wealth has modern parallels in programs aimed at providing housing or promoting small business ownership, which are seen as ways to lift people out of poverty and give them a stake in their community. This idea remains relevant today, as land and homeownership continue to be significant factors in wealth accumulation and social mobility.
