First Inaugural Address

Definition

The First Inaugural Address was delivered by Abraham Lincoln on March 4, 1861, as he assumed the presidency during a deeply divided time in American history. In this speech, Lincoln sought to reassure the Southern states while emphasizing the importance of preserving the Union and addressing the looming Civil War. His address articulated his views on slavery, secession, and national unity, setting the tone for his administration's policies during the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln's First Inaugural Address was notable for its conciliatory tone towards the Southern states, urging them to remain in the Union.
2. The address included Lincoln's famous assertion that 'no state, upon its own mere motion, can lawfully get out of the Union.'
3. Lincoln emphasized that he had no intention of abolishing slavery where it already existed, aiming to calm Southern fears.
4. The speech called for a peaceful resolution to the sectional conflict, stating that both sides should avoid hostility and violence.
5. Despite his appeals for unity and peace, Lincoln's address foreshadowed the impending Civil War, which would break out just weeks later.

Review Questions

• How did Lincoln's First Inaugural Address reflect his approach to dealing with the secession of Southern states?
  • Lincoln's First Inaugural Address reflected his approach by promoting reconciliation and urging Southern states to reconsider their decision to secede. He emphasized that secession was not a lawful option and appealed to their sense of unity as Americans. By assuring them that he had no intention of interfering with slavery where it already existed, he aimed to calm tensions and create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue rather than conflict.
• Analyze how Lincoln's First Inaugural Address set the stage for his policies during the Civil War.
  • Lincoln's First Inaugural Address set the stage for his policies during the Civil War by outlining his commitment to preserving the Union while expressing a desire for peace. His assurance that he would not abolish slavery in existing states aimed to placate Southern fears and buy time for negotiation. However, his insistence on maintaining federal authority over states highlighted a firm stance that would guide his administration as conflict escalated and war became inevitable.
• Evaluate the impact of Lincoln's First Inaugural Address on public sentiment in both the North and South at the onset of the Civil War.
  • Lincoln's First Inaugural Address had a significant impact on public sentiment in both regions at the onset of the Civil War. In the North, many were reassured by his commitment to preserve the Union without immediate threats to slavery. Conversely, in the South, while some appreciated his conciliatory tone, others viewed it as a refusal to recognize their right to secede. This division illustrated the deepening rift between North and South, ultimately contributing to heightened tensions that led directly into armed conflict.

Related terms

Emancipation Proclamation:

An executive order issued by Lincoln on January 1, 1863, freeing slaves in Confederate-held territory, which shifted the focus of the war toward the issue of slavery.

Secession:

The act of withdrawing from an organization or alliance; in this context, it refers to Southern states leaving the Union to form the Confederate States of America.

Union:

Refers to the United States as a nation, particularly during the Civil War, when Northern states fought to preserve it against secessionist Southern states.