Last Lincoln Blog

Abraham Lincoln, in his Second Inaugural Address (1865), points to the South as the cause of the Civil War, that has torn the country apart. Lincoln supports the idea that the South is at fault by bluntly addressing the issue of slavery, how slavery is against God’s will, and how the nation is now at war because of the South’s wrong doings. Abraham Lincoln bluntly states his arguments in order to show that war can no longer be prevented, and the South has long ago caused the war to begin. Lincoln is trying to make a statement to his audience that they should no longer strive for peace, but blame the South for the harsh war.

It is obvious to recognize that this speech is not like most of Lincoln’s speeches. In his past speeches we read, he was supporting what was best for America. Now, he is supporting what is best for the North. As president, an inaugural address, or any address, should discuss the issues of the country. While the war is an issue of the entire country, he clearly gives off the idea that he is speaking for the North, and not only is not helping the South, but is stirring up anger and problems for them. While he asked for peace in his last inaugural speech, he is now asking for war. It is understandable that his tone shifted from calm and friendly to harsh and blunt, but as a president, who is responsible for the whole country, he cannot shift from an American to a Northerner and outwardly express his anger towards the South. This is in no way going to solve the issues of the war and will only make the South angrier at the government and the north. While I do not support slavery at all, I do think that Lincoln should have addressed that it is not right, but not stating that it was the cause of the war and the South is at fault for all of the country's issues. He should have supported both sides of the country he is in charge of, not just one.