Lincoln observed in 1864 that "we all declare for liberty but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing." He continued to explain what the North meant and what the South meant, and how victory meant a national norm as defined by the North. Illustrate how liberty would come to be understood for the nation after the Civil War and analyze whether the abolishment of slavery was enough to propel the United States to finally exist as its founding documents suggested it should.

After the Civil War, the understanding of liberty in the United States began to evolve. The abolishment of slavery was a significant step towards achieving a more inclusive and equal society, but it was not enough to fully propel the nation to exist as its founding documents suggested it should.

The end of slavery did not immediately guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. The Reconstruction era saw the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which aimed to grant freedom, citizenship, and voting rights to African Americans. However, these rights were often undermined by discriminatory laws and practices, such as Jim Crow laws and segregation, which persisted for many years.

It was not until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s that significant progress was made in advancing the understanding of liberty for all Americans. The movement led to the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to dismantle segregation and ensure equal rights for all citizens.

Even today, the understanding of liberty continues to evolve as the nation grapples with issues of systemic racism, inequality, and social justice. The Black Lives Matter movement and calls for police reform are examples of ongoing efforts to redefine and expand the concept of liberty to be more inclusive and equitable for all.

In conclusion, while the abolishment of slavery was a crucial step towards achieving liberty for all, it was not enough to fully realize the nation's founding ideals. The struggle for equality and justice continues to shape the understanding of liberty in the United States, and it remains an ongoing and evolving process.