New birth of freedom

Abraham Lincoln argued that the Civil War would bring about a new birth of freedom in the United States. Analyzing the history from Reconstruction up until World War II, did the US bring about a new birth of freedom? What about equality? Is there a difference between freedom and equality? What were the barriers to freedom and equality in this period? Was it possible to overcome these barriers or not? If so, how, if not, why? Use specific historical examples from class to support your argument