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

Lincoln used his inaugural address to delay the impending conflict of the civil war. A number of states had already seceded, and Lincoln aimed to sooth their fears. He directly addressed the southern states and assured them that he had no intention of abolishing slavery. He did not think the institution should be ended with force. Lincoln also warned the south of the dangers of secession and reminded them of the days of the articles of confederation and the failure of the state run system. Lincoln passed the responsibility for the outcome of the conflict onto the American people hoping it would delay the upper south's secession, which worked for a time. Lincoln closed with words that were meant to transform the nation from a group of states to a group of people and postpone the war. The words were touching but it was too late for the south and the war started a month later.

 

Similarly to the Civil War, the war of 1812 was inevitable and politicians delayed it for decades.