Lincoln and John Brown
Abraham Lincoln and the House Divided Speech
Introduction
Key Quote: "A house divided against itself can not stand"
Context: Speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln on June 16, 1858, in Springfield, Illinois, accepting the Republican Party's nomination for Senate, addressing national issues regarding slavery.
Background of Abraham Lincoln
Birth and Education:
Born on February 12, 1809, near Hodgenville, Kentucky.
Self-educated with various occupations: flatboatman, storekeeper, postmaster, surveyor, blacksmith, before studying law.
Lawyer Career:
Became one of Illinois's most successful lawyers known for wit, common sense, and honesty.
Political Career:
Served in Illinois State Legislature and Congress.
Challenged Senator Stephen A. Douglas in the Senate race of 1858.
Major Themes of the House Divided Speech
Accusatory Tone Against the Democratic Party
Lincoln accused Democrats of enabling the expansion of slavery in the United States.
Critical Events Analyzed:
Kansas-Nebraska Bill (1854):
Allowed voters in new territories to decide on slavery, repealing Missouri Compromise prohibiting slavery in those areas.
Key Figure: Senator Stephen Douglas, the bill's sponsor, was quoted: "I care not whether slavery be voted down or voted up."
Dred Scott Decision (1857):
Supreme Court ruling that African Americans were not citizens, thus Congress could not prohibit slavery in free states or territories.
Chief Justice Roger B. Taney's decision held that restricting slavery infringed on property rights.
Lecompton Constitution Controversy:
Proposed pro-slavery constitution in Kansas submitted to voters but overwhelmingly rejected.
Lincoln termed these events as a "piece of machinery" constructed by Democrats to perpetuate slavery.
Lincoln’s Vision and Predictions
Crisis and Resolution:
Believed that slavery agitation will only cease after a major crisis.
Predicted the government cannot endure indefinitely as half slave and half free.
Possibilities of the House:
Either slavery opponents will halt its spread and aim for abolition or slavery supporters will push for its widespread acceptance.
Conclusion on Direction of the Government:
Expressed hope for victory but acknowledged that wise counsel could accelerate outcomes while mistakes might delay them.
John Brown as an Abolitionist Icon
John Brown:
Radical abolitionist aimed to seize an armory to further anti-slavery efforts.
Perception:
Viewed as a martyr in the North and as a terrorist in the South.
Thoreau on John Brown
Thoreau's Plea for Brown (1859):
Self-expression of admiration and correction of public sentiment towards Brown.
Critique of education and its lack of practical wisdom: "He would have left a Greek accent slanting the wrong way, and righted up a falling man."
Martyrdom and Sacrifice:
Thoreau suggests that sacrifice for a just cause transcends worldly gains: "…his blood lost for a good cause is more valuable."
Philosophical Reflection:
Criticism of the government that maintains injustice: "What shall we think of a government to which all the truly brave and just men in the land are enemies?"
Political Context Leading to Sectionalism
Expansionism:
Election of 1840: Martin Van Buren vs. William Henry Harrison.
Harrison portrayed himself as a common man despite elite background; this resonated with the populace.
Complications of Texas Annexion:
Settlers encouraged to convert to Catholicism; tension over slavery led to slowing migration efforts.
Mexican-American War and Sectional Tensions:
Criticism over Polk's actions in provoking war without Congressional approval.
Northern opposition focused on anti-slavery sentiments leading to heightened sectionalism.
Consequences of the Panic of 1857
Effects of the Panic:
Contributed to the belief in Southern superiority; presented an economically self-sufficient South.
Southern Secession:
Following Lincoln's election with no Southern votes, South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union.
Lincoln’s Stance on Slavery:
Campaigned for keeping slavery in the South but preventing its westward expansion.