LAD #12: Lincoln's First Inaugural Adress

In His first Inaugural address, Lincoln made it clear that he did not intend to end slavery where it already existed. He recognized that the southerners were fearful that he would get rid of slavery, however he reassured them that he intended on keeping slavery where it already exists. Lincoln also mentioned that he intended to protect states rights and to make America a nationalistic country once again. He stated that he would keep the fugitive slave act in place, which required a runaway slave to be returned to their masters if they escape into another state. This and other acts made sure that state rights were protected.

However, Lincoln's main objective was to keep the Union together. He stated that the union had been around for a very long time and that it must be preserved. He argued that it is unconstitutional for a state to try to secede from the union. He stated that this is a touchy topic because events such as this were not written in the Constitution. It doesn't state whether to prohibit or allow slavery and it does not say if a state can secede or not. However, Lincoln stressed that he would do whatever it takes to keep the union together. He stated that civil war must be avoided in order to maintain the prosperity that America had achieved.