"If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that."

Question

"If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that."

-Abraham Lincoln August 22, 1862
Use the passage to answer the question.
Based on the quote, what is Lincoln's primary goal?
(1 point)
• freeing the slaves
• punishing the South
• preserving the Union
• not addressing slavery

Answer 1

"If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that."

Based on the quote, Lincoln's primary goal is preserving the Union.