what was the lincoln's 2nd inaugural adress about?

Answer 1

Since the war was clearly nearing its end, people might have expected Lincoln's second inaugural might have be a celebration of impending victory and 'vindication' of the Union. But instead, it was very reflective and conciliatory, brief! (just 703 words) and moving.

It included:

- a meditation on the the War, including its terrible cost in human life and its ultimate origin in the institution of slavery (though not always recognized directly, all knew it was 'somehow' behind the war), which he held the WHOLE nation responsible for (not just the South)

- a religious interpretation of the meaning of the War, noting that BOTH sides had prayed to the same God for opposite results (and that neither had received all they asked for) and again linking the War to the WRONG of slavery, acknowledging God's justice for the price the whole nation had paid and his right to carry out further judgment

- a refusal to pass judgment himself, and a call to forbearance and charity (for reconciliation) -- to 'bind up the wounds' of those who had suffered on BOTH sides


As brief and powerful and important as it is, I urge you to read it (aloud!)

If you want more details on the historical context and background of the various parts of the speech, there is an EXCELLENT short study on it -- Ronald White, *Lincoln's Greatest Speech : The Second Inaugural* (Simon & Shuster, 2002).

Answer 2

It was about reconciliation with the South. Lincoln knew that the war was close to the end and the North was going to be victorious. He wanted to reassure the South that his administration will not seek revenge, but rather to reunite the United States and the Southerners would not have to fear reprisals from the North. Had he lived, reconstruction of the South might have been different. The ending of this speech captures the essence of what his intentions were once the war was concluded:
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

Answer 3

http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flas...