Martha Salas

15 October 2015
Lincoln's First Inaugural Address
In Abraham Lincoln's first Inaugural Address, which occurred on the fourth of March
in 1861, the newly elected president touched on several issues facing the country. Some of the
issues included the confusion over the fugitive slave and the laws protecting their rights. He
also explains that the southern states had nothing to fear with his presidency and that their
right to own slaves would not be interrupted. This falling under another fact that he explains
saying that each individual state is entitled to having their own rules and enforcing them all
while staying under the rules outlined in the Constitution. Lincoln also reassures the country
that no force or hostility would be impressed upon any state. Along with the them of slavery,
he addressed the existing differences in thought between the northern and southern states in
terms of still owning slaves and retaining their freedom of citizens of the the United States.
-What does Lincoln have to say about the expansion of slavery beyond its current boundaries?
Lincoln speaks of the issue of slavery various times in his Inaugural Address. He states that he
will not force the southern states to change their ways and be rid of slavery as he says, "I
have no purpose directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the states
where it exists." While this is true on his stance on slavery on other states where slavery did
not exist, the rules under the Constitution would be in effect as those thought to be slaves
would be considered citizens.
-Lincolns first inaugural address has often been noted for its conciliatory approach to the
South. In what ways does Lincoln attempt to soothe the fears of southerners? Conversely, in
what ways does he state that he will remain firm on his principals regardless of whom he
offends?
Lincoln very plainly assures the citizens of the southern states that their right to own slaves
would not be taken away from them during his term as president. Even when saying this he
still stays firm on his principles by saying that all states would still have to follow the rules set
by the Constitution and the fugitive slave law.