Abraham Lincoln and Slavery What did Abraham Lincoln do and think regarding slavery during the Civil War? In Abraham's First Inaugural Address he states "I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so."" (…showed first 75 words of 960 total…

…showed last 75 words of 960 total…and the Emancipation Proclamation, because it said that the end of slavery was the purpose of the Civil War. The "North" and the "South" fought against each other to defend their views and opinions of slavery. The South wanted to keep it. Even after the Civil War it did not quite change the ways of slavery and prejudice against African-Americans. Lincoln had the right thoughts, and was on the right track with the Emancipation Proclamation.