Abraham Lincoln Thesis

The Abraham Lincoln Thesis posits that the United States was initially founded as a nation committed to the ideals of freedom and equality, particularly for Caucasian men. However, Lincoln's presidency and the Civil War highlighted a reevaluation of these ideals, expanding the definitions of liberty and equality to include enslaved African Americans and other marginalized groups. This shift represents a significant evolution in American identity, where the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence were interpreted more inclusively, ultimately shaping the nation’s ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.