Abraham Lincoln and How his Ideas on Slavery Changed and Won the Civil War

Abraham Lincoln's evolving views on slavery, despite popular belief, weren't initially aimed at abolition. His initial goal was preserving the Union, not ending slavery. However, as the Civil War unfolded, Lincoln's perspective shifted, leading to the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves in rebellious states free. This move altered the war's motivation towards abolition, culminating in the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865, officially abolishing slavery across all states. This progression in Lincoln's stance is believed to have been pivotal in the North's victory.