Summary
The article discusses Abraham Lincoln's views on slavery and the Founding Fathers' intentions. It highlights Lincoln's 1860 Cooper Union Address, where he defended the Founding Fathers as anti-slavery visionaries. Lincoln argued that most of the Founding Fathers intended to limit or prohibit slavery based on historical voting records.
Key Facts
- In 1860, America was debating slavery and the intentions of the Founding Fathers.
- Some people believed the Founding Fathers supported slavery, but Lincoln disagreed.
- Lincoln criticized the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision, which supported slavery.
- Lincoln's Cooper Union Address argued for using federal power to limit slavery.
- He prepared for the speech by researching historical records and votes by the Founders.
- Lincoln found that 21 out of 23 voting Founders opposed slavery's expansion.
- He noted that leaders like Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton were against slavery.
