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“It is the sentiment around which all their [Republicans'] actions, all their ar...

Oct 11, 2023

“It is the sentiment around which all their [Republicans'] actions, all their arguments, circle, from which all their propositions radiate. They look upon it as being a moral, social, and political wrong; and while they contemplate it as such, they nevertheless have due regard for its actual existence among us, and the difficulties of getting rid of it in any satisfactory way and to all the constitutional obligations thrown about it. Yet, having a due regard for these, they desire a policy in regard to it that looks to its not creating any more danger. They insist that it should, as far as may be, as a wrong; and one of the methods of treating it as a wrong is to make provision that it shall grow no larger.” —Abraham Lincoln, from debate with Stephen Douglas, October 18 7. The position of Abraham Lincoln in the above passage emerged most directly in response to which of the following mid-nineteenth century trends? (A) Large-scale immigration from Ireland (B) The spread of the ideas of Romanticism (C) Violent slave rebellions in the South (D) Territorial growth of the United States 8. The logic of the quotation is most consistent with (A) George Fitzhugh’s 1857 book, Cannibals All! (B) the Wilmot Proviso, introduced in Congress in 1846, 1847, and 1848.(C)Frederick Douglass’s 1852 oration commonly known as “What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?” (D) “John Brown’s Last Speech,” read in court in 1859.

Key Concept

KC-5.2.II.D: In the mid-19th century, debates over slavery in the territories and the admission of new states led to a series of compromises.

Explanation

In the passage, Lincoln is discussing the issue of slavery and its expansion, which was a major concern during the mid-19th century. This concern was particularly heightened by the territorial growth of the United States, as it raised questions about whether new territories and states would permit slavery. Lincoln's position, as expressed in the passage, was that while recognizing the existence of slavery and the difficulties of abolishing it, efforts should be made to prevent its expansion. 8.

Key Concept

KC-5.2.II.D: The Wilmot Proviso, introduced in Congress in 1846, 1847, and 1848, sought to prohibit slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico as a result of the Mexican-American War.

Explanation

The logic of the quotation is most consistent with the Wilmot Proviso. Lincoln's argument that slavery should be treated as a wrong and that provisions should be made to prevent its growth aligns with the intent of the Wilmot Proviso, which aimed to prevent the expansion of slavery into new territories.

What was the Wilmot Proviso?, What was Lincoln's position on slavery?, How did territorial expansion impact the debate on slavery?