Abraham Lincoln’s Speech on February 28, 1854: The Beginning of His Fight Against Slavery

On February 28, 1854, a relatively unknown politician from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, delivered a powerful speech that would set him on the path to the presidency. While not as well-known as his Gettysburg Address, this speech in Bloomington, Illinois was a critical moment in Lincoln’s political career, as he voiced his opposition to the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act.

What Was the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act, passed in 1854, allowed new territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This act overturned the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had restricted slavery’s expansion. Lincoln, who had been largely inactive in politics for several years, was deeply opposed to the act, believing it threatened the nation’s future.

Lincoln’s Powerful Speech

Although no exact transcripts of Lincoln’s February 28, 1854 speech exist today, reports from the time suggest that he spoke passionately against slavery’s expansion and warned of the dangers it posed to American democracy. His words resonated with many, helping him gain recognition as a strong leader in the growing anti-slavery movement.

Why This Speech Mattered

Lincoln’s speech marked the beginning of his national rise in politics. Later that year, he would formally re-enter politics and become a leading voice in the new Republican Party, which opposed the expansion of slavery. This speech set the stage for his famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates in 1858, his election as president in 1860, and ultimately, the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Lincoln’s Legacy and the Fight Against Slavery

This early speech showcases Lincoln’s dedication to the principles that would define his presidency. His unwavering opposition to slavery, first expressed in speeches like this one, would later lead him to issue the Emancipation Proclamation and guide the nation through the Civil War.

Conclusion

While February 28, 1854, may not be the most famous date in Lincoln’s career, it was a turning point in his fight against slavery. This speech helped establish him as a powerful voice for freedom, setting him on the path to becoming one of America’s greatest presidents.