Why are some of President Lincoln ideas considered contradictory?

Some of President Lincoln's ideas are considered contradictory due to his evolving views on slavery and the Union. Initially, he prioritized preserving the Union over abolishing slavery, advocating for gradual emancipation and colonization. However, as the Civil War progressed, he shifted towards a more radical stance, culminating in the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved people in Confederate states. This shift reflects the tension between his moral beliefs and political pragmatism during a tumultuous period.