Abraham Lincoln's Inaugural Addresses
Abraham Lincoln became the president of America in 1861 during the time that the Southern state was exiting the union. By March 4th, 1861 seven states had left the union; he addressed his remarks to the south. Throughout his term, Abraham Lincoln gave two inaugural addresses - his first inauguration was held in 1860, one year after his election as the sixteenth president of the United States, while his second inaugural address was after his re-election for the second term.
First Inaugural Address
In his first inauguration speech, Lincoln offered peace and reconciliation to the south; he made his intentions of enforcing federal laws in the states that disaffiliated clear. He promised not to interfere with slavery that was immensely practiced in the southern states and vowed to suspend all the activities of the federal government in areas that were hostile. These promises followed the threat of war that was looming because the southern states feared that the election of a Republican would force them to culminate slavery.
Lincoln took a strong stand against the withdrawal of states from the union and confiscation of government properties; he insisted that the government would continue to hold, possess, and occupy its property, and tax collection would continue. As he was finalizing his speech, he reminded the citizens that the issue of civil war was not in his own hands, but theirs, and the government would not assault them. Lincoln told them that they did not have any pledge in heaven to abolish the government and then took an oath to preserve, shield, and protect America. He reminded the citizens that they were not the government’s enemies but its friends and implored them not to break the bond between them. He said that memories gathered from every battlefield, patriot graves, and to all living souls in America should bring the union to America, and the citizens would live better lives.
Second Inaugural Address
The second inaugural address took place in Washington, D.C, on March 4th, 1965, after four consecutive years of war in the country. In this second address, the president answered three main questions: what was the fight about, when the war would end, and what would happen after the war ends.
During his speech, he maintained that slavery was the primary cause of the civil war and that it was evident to everybody. He then pointed out that slavery was only practiced in the southern part of the country where an 8th of the total population was composed of colored slaves. The slaves formed strong interests which led to the eruption of war; he stated that his government only had the power to restrict the spread of slavery to Northern states and not to end it. Lincoln further urged North and South territories to work together to obliterate slavery. He called the citizens to put efforts to end the civil war and then bring America together to cherish a just and lasting peace in both southern and Northern states.
Envisioning a Better America
What I envision for America in this generation is that issues on inequality, especially on people of color, should be eradicated. This is because issues of equality between the white and the people of color are historical and should not exist in contemporary civilized America.
I also envision that when it comes to making constitutional changes, America should decide on a united front which portrays their strength. To make America better, the government should create an environment where every citizen is employed to reduce poverty. It may be achieved through the creation of infrastructure, generation of incentives for businesses, and generate work programs.
Works Cited
"Great inaugural addresses: Abraham Lincoln's two speeches." 18 January 2018. Constitution Daily. 23 October 2018. .
"Lincoln Inaugurated." 21 August 2018. 23 October 2018. .
