Activity Title: Abraham Lincoln’s Position on Slavery
Grade Level: 6-8th
Activity Overview:
Part of Lincoln’s legacy is the president who ended slavery and
the writer of many famous documents including the Emancipation Proclamation.
This activity will engage us in the analysis of Lincoln’s writings,
both formal and informal, his speeches and the Emancipation Proclamation
to develop an opinion on whether Lincoln was a true abolitionist.
Documents:
Exhibition Draft of the Emancipation Proclamation, Defends the Emancipation
Proclamation, Final Version of the Emancipation Proclamation, Fragment
of Lincoln Speech to Kentuckians
Abraham Lincoln. Initial draft of the Emancipation Proclamation, July
22, 1862.
http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/lincoln/presidency/CommanderInChief/EmancipationProclamation/ExhibitObjects/EmancipationProclamation.aspx
Defends the Emancipation Proclamation
http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/lincoln/presidency/CommanderInChief/EmancipationProclamation/ExhibitObjects/LincolnDefendsEmancipationProclamation.aspx
Final Version of the Emancipation Proclamation
http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/lincoln/presidency/CommanderInChief/EmancipationProclamation/ExhibitObjects/BookletofProclamation.aspx
Fragment of Lincoln Speech to Kentuckians
http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/lincoln/rise/TheRunforPresident/ElectionCelebrationAndTrepidation/ExhibitObjects/FragmentofSpeechtoKentuckians.aspx
Goal of the Activity:
The goal is to analyze documents displayed at the Lincoln Exhibition.
Learning Objectives:
Closely read and analyze Lincoln’s writings to extract his clear
intention for freeing the slaves.
Establish a position on Lincoln that can be defended with his writings.
Investigative Questions:
Where in Lincoln’s writings (including his letters) and proclamations
does his express his views on slavery?
Was Abraham Lincoln an abolitionist? This is done after creating a list
of criteria that need to be met to be considered a true abolitionist.
Primary Sources Learning Practices:
Analyze and extract evidence from the documents in Lincoln’s hand
on display at the Exhibition.
Analyze other evidences of writings (both formal and informal) that would
support or contradict Lincoln as a true abolitionist.
Assessment:
Students engage in a Socratic discussion defending their respective positions
on whether or not Lincoln was a true abolitionist.
