Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural
Summary: Lincoln initiates the short speech by declaring that not much has changed in his policy and goals, mainly due to the Civil War. He then addresses the divides present in the nation that caused the war, claiming that neither side wanted war, but the South was willing to go to it to achieve their secession, and the North was willing to take up arms to preserve and defend the Union. Lincoln then shifts to the SLavery Issue, saying that it has become the epicenter of conflict between the North and South, even though he had never intended to do more than limit its further spreading. He ends the speech calling for a new era of peace and unity within the damaged nation, and declares his continuing focus on fixing the divides that broke the nation into war.
(Lincoln's final inaugural words of peace and unity between partisans on both sides are very similar to the acceptance speeches and inaugural addresses of modern day candidates, such as Donald Trump's recent address. This is meant to encourage healing along party lines after incredibly aggressive and divisive campaigns).
No comments:
Post a Comment