Lincoln Speeches

Abraham Lincoln's Inaugural Address (March 4th, 1861)

  • Context: Delivered before Lincoln took office amidst the secession crisis; he is viewed as a minority president.

  • Slavery Debate:

    • Lincoln states the country is divided on slavery:

    • One side believes it is right and should be extended.

    • The other believes it is wrong and should not be extended.

  • Existing Laws:

    • Cites the fugitive-slave clause of the Constitution and the law against the foreign slave trade, emphasizing their enforcement.

    • Speaks on the public's imperfect moral support for these laws.

  • Consequences of Separation:

    • Lincoln argues that physical separation of the states is impossible; the sections are interconnected.

    • Uses the metaphor of a divorced couple to illustrate that geographical separation is not achievable.

  • Intercourse Between Sections:

    • Raises questions about the benefits of separation:

    • "Can aliens make treaties easier than friends can make laws?"

    • Implying communication and negotiation are more difficult between enemies than between friends.

  • The Call to Contemplate:

    • Urges the countrymen to think calmly on the subject, suggesting that time will not harm any good objective.

    • Stresses the importance of remaining loyal to the Constitution.

  • Choice of War or Peace:

    • Emphasizes that the momentous issue of civil war lies in the hands of the people, not the President.

    • “You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors.”

  • Appeal for Unity:

    • Promotes the idea that they are not enemies but friends, and stresses the importance of maintaining their bonds of affection.

    • The passage references the emotional connections through shared history and collective memory.

  • Closing Remarks:

    • Concludes with hope that the better angels of our nature will prevail, emphasizing unity and reconciliation.

The Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863)

  • Context: Delivered during the dedication of a cemetery for Union soldiers after the Battle of Gettysburg.

  • Opening Statement:

    • Starts with a historical reference: "Four score and seven years ago…" referring to the founding of the nation dedicated to the proposition of equality.

    • Recognizes the ongoing Civil War testing whether such a nation can endure.

  • Dedication of Ground:

    • Lincoln notes the importance of dedicating the battlefield, acknowledging that the soldiers who fought have already consecrated the ground through their sacrifice.

  • Importance of the Living:

    • He states the living must continue the work that remains to ensure the soldiers did not die in vain.

    • Emphasizes a dedication to the cause of equality and freedom, asserting the need for ongoing commitment.

  • Concept of a New Birth of Freedom:

    • Lincoln calls for a new birth of freedom and a government run by the people.

    • Reinforces the notion of national unity, replacing the term 'Union' with 'nation' to emphasize common bonds over divisions.

  • Battle Statistics:

    • Details significant casualty numbers from the Battle of Gettysburg:

    • Union: 23,000 casualties

    • Confederacy: 28,000 killed, wounded, or missing.

Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address (March 4, 1865)

  • Context: Delivered as the Civil War neared its end. Lincoln reflects on the nation’s future and the wounds of war.

  • Reflections on the Past:

    • Acknowledges that war was approached with dread and that both sides sought peace but had different priorities.

  • Slavery as a Cause:

    • Mentions one-eighth of the population being enslaved and how this interest contributed to the war's onset.

  • Faith and God’s Will:

    • Contemplates the role of God in the conflict, noting that both sides prayed to the same deity, highlighting the moral complexities of the war.

  • Ending with Hope:

    • Advocates for reconciliation and healing the nation’s wounds with a commitment to charity and justice.

  • Motivational Tone:

    • The closing emphasizes continuing efforts for peace and unity among all citizens.

Additional Historical Context

  • Economic Disparity:

    • Union's economy valued at $1.5 billion compared to the Confederacy's $155 million.

    • Notable differences in infrastructure:

    • Union: 22,000 miles of railroad vs. Confederacy: 9,500 miles of railroad.

  • Demographic Impact:

    • The Confederacy would experience a greater loss of population by the war's end due to casualties and social upheaval.