Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln
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"Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address" by Abraham Lincoln is a historical document delivered as a speech on March 4, 1861. This address takes place during a tumultuous period in American history, specifically the lead-up to the Civil War. In this speech, Lincoln aims to reassure a divided nation, emphasizing the importance of the Union and the continuity of the Constitution while addressing the contentious issues surrounding slavery. In his address, Lincoln acknowledges
the fears of Southern states regarding the protection of their rights and property, particularly concerning slavery. He firmly asserts that he has no intention to interfere with the institution of slavery where it already exists and advocates for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Lincoln discusses the nature of the Union, arguing that it is perpetual and cannot be dissolved by individual states. By appealing to unity, he calls for patience and a commitment to dialogue while reminding listeners that civil war would only arise from aggression. The address ends on a hopeful note, urging Americans to recognize their shared bonds and to seek reconciliation rather than division, famously invoking "the better angels of our nature." (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 |
|---|---|
| Title | Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 52.8 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | E456: History: America: Civil War period (1861-1865) |
| Subject | United States -- Politics and government -- 1861-1865 |
| Subject | Presidents -- United States -- Inaugural addresses |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 9 |
| Release Date | Dec 1, 1979 |
| Last Update | Sep 6, 2025 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 975 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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