LAD/Blog #15: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

LAD/Blog #15: Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address

Lincoln begins his inaugural address by saying he won’t speak to matters that aren’t very important to the nation’s current state. He starts on the topic of slavery, saying that he will not interfere with the South’s continued use of slaves- he has no right to do so, and says that each state has the right to do as they please under the Constitution, with one state not preferred over another. He speaks to the Fugitive Slave Law, even referencing what is written in the Constitution, and says that it will be enforced. He says that states should abide by the Constitution, and not try to look for ways laws could be seen as unconstitutional. By doing so, the Union would only be weakened. He then speaks to American history, stating the Constitution was made “to form a more perfect Union,” and if it is not followed, disunity would ensue. Additionally, he says that no state can get out of the Union, and also that actions against the government are seen as revolutionary. Lincoln says that laws will be “executed” equally for all states, and that the government would not use force against them. He says that rights have never been denied from the people, but that the Constitution does not cover everything. He also points out that if a minority succeeds from the Union, others may soon follow. Because of this, they cannot separate. He says that a minority may remove themselves from the US in theory, but not physically (still connected by land). He says that he understands amending the Constitution if necessary, and even overthrowing the government if it is not protecting people’s rights. However, he declares that his duty is to uphold people’s rights. He encourages people to be careful as to not cause a civil war, as that is ultimately decided by the people. He ends powerfully, saying, “I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends.” He is trying to group the nation together, and is urging them to avoid a civil war.

 

 Lincoln's First Inaugural Adress

 

Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address (synthesis):
Jefferson’s first inaugural address is similar to Lincoln’s because they both addressed problems that were dividing the nation- Lincoln slavery/an impending civil war, and Jefferson the divide between the political factions of Federalists and Republicans (“We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists”).