Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Content Warning: The source material and this guide reference the enslavement of Black Americans and the associated racism and prejudice.

“On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war.”

By highlighting the anxiety that preceded the war, Lincoln not only acknowledges the tumultuous path the nation has traversed but also contrasts it with the current state of affairs, suggesting a narrative of progress amid adversity. Lincoln uses his speech to address a nation that has collectively endured hardship and bloodshed, referring to his last inauguration speech as the start of a tumultuous timeline. This opening serves as a bridge connecting past fears with present hopes, emphasizing the transformative journey of the nation.

“With high hope for the future no prediction in regard to it is ventured.”

The Civil War was drawing to a close, but Union victory was not assured. Lincoln expresses cautious optimism and recognition of the uncertain road ahead, reflecting not just hope for peace but an understanding of the challenges that peace would entail. The phrase “no prediction is ventured” downplays the role of prophecy in leadership. Lincoln avoids grand pronouncements or promises about the future, showing his commitment to a democratic process where the future is shaped by cooperation, not pronouncements from on high.

“Both parties deprecated war but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish.”

Lincoln acknowledges a mutual disdain for conflict, suggesting a shared humanity despite the deep divisions in the nation. Yet, their contrasting reasons for engaging in armed conflict reveal the fundamental ideological chasm that led to the Civil War.