With this speech, Abraham Lincoln secured his place as not only the greatest American orator, but one of the greatest speakers of all time. Lincoln's approach is brilliant, he covers the entire spectrum of appeal, Logos, Pathos and Ethos, while clearly stating his intent and leaving the "ball" effectively in his opponent's "court."
He begins by defining his goal as preservation of the Union, nothing more. He says that he will fulfill his obligation as President to uphold the Constitution and not interfere with state's rights. He also assures the people that he will enforce the law equally in all states (references to the fugitive slave clause in the Constitution.)
References to threats of invasion in this section have a dual-purpose. Lincoln wanted to assuage fears (stirred up by "fire-eaters") that the north would openly sponsor terrorist activity like John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry as well as assure people that there was no plan for an invasion or occupation of the south.
To address the issue of possible secession, Lincoln uses an effective appeal to logic. By referencing the Articles of Association, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution, he establishes that government proceeds from the will of the people, and that no provision for dissolution of government can exist without the consent of all parties involved. This means that secession by a minority, not bound forcibly to the will of the majority, is irrational. "A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations...is the only true sovereign of a free people. Whoever rejects it does of necessity fly to anarchy or despotism."
Lincoln continues to keep the argument centered on the law and preservation of the Union, adding an ethical appeal to the speech. He addresses slavery as the central issue in the dispute between states, but does not attempt to condemn it as immoral. By foregoing judgement on the issue of slavery itself and focusing on the potential consequences and futility of war, Lincoln avoids passing judgement on those who support slavery while criticizing the idea of secession. He urges Southerners to trust in the judgement of the people, reminding them that government power is limited for a reason, all people have a right to be heard, and that disputes are best settled within the framework of the law, not by rebellion.
In closing, Lincoln reassures the people of his goodwill, intention to uphold the law, and preserve the Union. He again assures the Southerners that he does not plan to infringe on their rights in any way, and that any action to dissolve the Union will not be initiated by him. Turning to emotional appeal, he ends with language designed to invoke a spirit of unity and national pride,"Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory...will yet swell the chorus of the Union...when again touched...by the better angels of our nature."
Was his argument convincing? I don't think Cicero could have done better, but it didn't convince the Southerners. This document is most significant, however, because it provides excellent ammunition against Southern Apologist arguments regarding Lincoln's "plans" for abolishing slavery and the necessity of secession in order to preserve Southern rights and their way of life. Instead, we see a President who defines his role strictly as a Chief Executive, determined to enforce and uphold the law and preserve the Union.
First of our all our teacher was right what a great text analysis this is!
ReplyDeleteI was trying to go through and add anything you maybe left out but I think you got it all. The one think I personally found interesting out of the inaugural address was his reassurances to the south. Lincoln kept insisting he had no right to impose on or interfere with slavery and made sure to get his point across by saying this more then once. He was really just reaching out to the southerners to trust his judgement mainly to go with the decision he wanted.
This was an excellent summary of President Lincoln First Inaugural Address, very well organized and detailed. I agree that Lincoln is one our very best President that we have had and that his speech wasn't to offend the south in abolishing slavery but having that there are ways to go about distinguishing everyone's beliefs through the law the government imposes and rather not having to rebel. He has a persuasive way in coming to some sort of agreement to the southerners but is very cautious on what he speaks of slavery and that the unity as one nation with some sort of resolution in working out the situation about slavery and having America as one. Lincoln repetition about slavery but taking different approaches is very intelligent, giving the idea in many ways that as you mention touches the pathos, ethos, and logos.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great summary. This was a very important speech for Lincoln as he not only had to address the major problems of the time, he also had to reassure the people that action taken in opposition to the Constitution and the law will not be dismissed and may be considered revolutionary or insurrectionary. As president, his job is to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the established Government. When discussing the law I like how he mentioned that “no organic law can ever be framed with a provision specifically applicable to every question which may occur in practical administration”. In other words no one can foresee every possible situation when creating our laws through the Constitution. There were many things it expressly did not say anything about like prohibiting or protecting slaves or how fugitives were to be surrendered. He let the South know in his eloquent, kind natured way that they were clearly out of order and that what happens next with be of their doing.
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