Lincoln’s Idea for Colonization
Lincoln is often upheld as being a key centerpiece to ending slavery, but some would be surprised to learn that he did have some slightly racist outlooks. After freeing millions of slaves in 1863, Lincoln outlined his suggestion to use African Americans for the purpose of colonization. Lincoln’s original goal was to send them to Guyana and Belize to create new settlements.
The fact that a previous shipment of slaves had met its end on the way to Haiti, killing nearly 450 people, highlights just how dangerous these ideals were. Fortunately, Lincoln later reversed his standpoint on colonization and went on to become one of the country’s most iconic presidents.
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