This document is one of a series that represents specific moments in history from which students focus on the meanings of landmark events. Students become aware that choices had to be made by real human beings, that those decisions were the result of specific factors, and that they set in motion a series of historical consequences. By analyzing primary sources, students learn how to analyze evidence, establish a valid interpretation, and construct a coherent narrative in which all the relevant factors play a part. This unit explores Abraham Lincoln's attitudes and actions regarding slavery, its abolition, and the use of African American troops during the Civil War. The unit places Lincoln's words and deeds amid the political realities of the day and in the context of the time in which he lived. Contemporary voices of both support and opposition draw attention to public reaction to Lincoln's policies. The unit consists of teacher background materials, lesson plans, and accompanying student resources. Unit objectives include: (1) to interpret documents in their historical context; (2) to understand the significance of the debate over the abolition of slavery and the use of African American troops; (3) to examine the historical context of emancipation; and (4) to explore the political motivation that influenced Lincoln's stance on slavery. Five lesson plans and one extension lesson are included: (1) Lincoln's early views on slavery; (2) the Lincoln-Douglas Debates; (3) evolution of an anti-slavery policy; (4) emancipation and African American troops; (5) contemporary views of Lincoln; and artists' views of the Emancipation Proclamation. Contains 13 references. (DK)