Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born and Kentucky, but moved to Illinois as a small boy. Lincoln was the son of a farmer who would often loan his son out to neighbors in order to pay off the debts the father owed. Lincoln would come to resent this work, equating himself with a slave who had no choice over the work he was forced to do and who was not compensated for this work. Later, Lincoln would become a self-educated man who would distance himself from his family.

As a young man, Lincoln came into contact with slaves on several occasions. This contact made an important impression on young Lincoln, helping to solidify his stance against slavery. Early in Lincoln's political career, he made it clear that he believed that the institution of slavery was immoral and would have to end eventually. However, Lincoln often wavered on his opinion...