LAD #14 Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In Lincoln's first inaugural address, he began by addressing the hot topic of the time; the division of the North and South, particularly regarding slavery. He declared to represent and maintain the Union, even if it must come to the outbreak of war. To Lincoln, secession is not an option. He sternly, but not maliciously, criticized the south for secession issues, slavery, and the postal service He declared that the North would not be the first to strike for hope of maintaining peace. This was proven correct when the South struck first at Fort Sumter. His speech ends with an intent plea to the citizens of the United States to remain peaceful. He reminds them that it is not in the government's hands, but their own, and reminds them that they should be friends not enemies.




In Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address, he, like Lincoln, was responsible for easing the tensions of a divided nation. Lincoln had to ease the division of the North and South, while Jefferson had to address the division between the Federalists and the Republicans.