Obliteration of the Peculiar Institution: an in depth investigation into whether the people or the government ultimately destroyed slavery

<Tab/>There is no question that the existence of slavery created a paradox ever since America declared its independence from Britain. Many say the American Revolution did not finish until after the slaves were freed. The question of who freed the slaves is debatable. Historians disagree on whether it was the government or the common people--full scale war or full-scale rebellion that led to the end of slavery in the United …

…The Civil War was a war of unity. The war on slavery was a war of ideas, and it was started by the abolitionists. As history dictates, total emancipation came with the adoption of Amendment XIII. Lincoln's adept sense of timing and especially his sensitivity to public opinion ensured that the amendment be passed.42 The collective might of the will of the people ensured slavery would never again exist as an institution of American life.