Abraham Lincoln And Frederick Douglass Relationship Essay

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James Oakes’ political analysis of the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass is an intricate one. He pursues the duos; a frontier lawyer and a former slave, the president and the most sought after black, the shrewd politician and an agile reformer who are carefully engaged in the context of political succession, emancipation and civil war in the 19th century. Being a prime time when slavery is a fiercely contested issue, the two closely associate in the bold spectrum, differing and agreeing, disregarding and approving each other in different instances, with Oakes ultimately drawing their paths through the epic transformation. This paper seeks out Douglass’ and Lincoln’s approaches that shift some positions in slavery abolition in 19th century America. Differing notions Initially, Douglass is an ardent reformer, holding onto the notion that the Constitution had failed in stopping inhumane acts of slavery. Being a son of a slave and having passed through all the ills that a black fugitive would at those times, Douglass would not bend whenever it came to his opinion of the slave trade. He is quoted to affirm that “I cannot support …show more content…

With that being said, one can wonder if between these men was as described. It is difficulty to know if Douglass was very focused on Lincoln, and if Lincoln was very concerned with Douglass as portrayed in this book. It is important that we remember that although the two were once opponents, politics of racism and the emancipation allocated them to be closer, to the point that both would ultimately become heroes of American history. Furthermore, despite continued points of views on various concepts, Douglass emotionally spoke highly of Lincoln after he was assassinated. As Oakes speaks on this, one can find the uniqueness in their relationship. This is remembered that Douglass and Lincoln played a primary role in ending

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