The Perpetual Union

In this crucial section, Lincoln lays out his view that the Union of states is perpetual and cannot be dissolved unilaterally. He argues this is implied in the fundamental law of all national governments.

Lincoln states that no proper government has ever had a provision for its own termination in its founding documents. He asserts that as long as the Constitution's provisions are executed, the Union will endure forever.

Quote: "I hold, that in contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual."

Lincoln then poses a rhetorical question - even if the United States were merely a contractual association of states, could it be unmade peacefully by less than all parties who made it? He suggests that while one party may violate a contract, it requires all parties to lawfully rescind it.

Highlight: This section forms the core of Lincoln's legal and philosophical argument against secession. It would become a key justification for his actions to preserve the Union during the Civil War.

Definition: Perpetual - Continuing forever; everlasting

Why did President Lincoln oppose secession? He believed the Union was perpetual and could not be legally dissolved by unilateral action of individual states.

Historical Confirmation of the Perpetual Union

Lincoln continues his argument by stating that the proposition of a perpetual Union is confirmed by the history of the United States. He traces this concept back to the Articles of Association in 1774, through the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the Articles of Confederation in 1778.

The president emphasizes that the declared purpose of these founding documents was to establish a "perpetual Union." He notes that the Constitution was formed "to make a more perfect Union," implying an improvement on the already perpetual Union under the Articles of Confederation.

Example: Lincoln cites specific historical documents to support his argument:

• 1774 Articles of Association
• 1776 Declaration of Independence
• 1778 Articles of Confederation
• 1787 Constitution

Lincoln concludes that if the Union was not destroyed by the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, then the Union is older than any of the states. He argues that even Texas, the only state that was previously an independent nation, never legally left the Union during its admission process.

Highlight: By grounding his argument in historical precedent, Lincoln aimed to demonstrate that the concept of a perpetual Union was not new, but rather a fundamental principle of American governance since the nation's founding.

Vocabulary: Perpetuity - The state or quality of lasting forever

Lincoln's First Inaugural Address full text emphasizes the historical basis for viewing the Union as perpetual and indissoluble.

The Nature of the Union and Secession

In this section, Lincoln directly addresses the issue of secession. He firmly states that no state, upon its own mere motion, can lawfully leave the Union. He declares that acts of secession are legally void and that violence against the authority of the United States is insurrectionary or revolutionary.

Lincoln then outlines his view of the fundamental difference between the Union and a confederation:

Quote: "It follows from these views that no State, upon its own mere motion, can lawfully get out of the Union, -- that resolves and ordinances to that effect are legally void, and that acts of violence, within any State or States, against the authority of the United States, are insurrectionary or revolutionary, according to circumstances."

The president emphasizes that he considers the Union unbroken and will take care that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all states. He states this is a simple duty on his part and that he will perform it unless his "rightful masters, the American people" withdraw the requisite means or direct otherwise.

Highlight: This section clearly outlines Lincoln's stance on secession and his determination to preserve the Union, setting the stage for his future actions during the Civil War.

Vocabulary: Insurrectionary - Relating to or constituting insurrection (a violent uprising against authority)

How did the south view secession? They believed it was a legal right, while Lincoln argued it was unconstitutional and revolutionary.

Appeal for Peace and Unity

In the final section of his address, Lincoln makes a heartfelt appeal for peace and unity. He emphasizes that there need not be any bloodshed or violence unless it is forced upon the national authority.

Lincoln reassures the people that the government will not assail them and that there can be no conflict unless they are the aggressors. He stresses that the government holds no purpose to invade or subjugate any state.

Quote: "In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The government will not assail you. You can have no conflict, without being yourselves the aggressors."

The president then appeals to the mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over the broad land. He hopes these will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched by the better angels of our nature.

Highlight: Lincoln's closing remarks are both a warning and a plea, placing the responsibility for peace or war squarely on the shoulders of those considering secession while also appealing to shared history and patriotism.

Vocabulary: Assail - To attack violently; to assault

What was davis perspective on secession? As President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis viewed secession as a legal and justified action, in contrast to Lincoln's stance.

Conclusion and Historical Context

Lincoln's First Inaugural Address was delivered at a critical moment in American history, with seven Southern states having already seceded and formed the Confederate States of America. The speech was carefully crafted to balance firmness on preserving the Union with conciliation towards the South.

Key points of the address include:

1. Reassurance that Lincoln had no intention to interfere with slavery where it existed
2. Emphasis on the perpetual nature of the Union and the illegality of secession
3. A commitment to enforce federal laws in all states
4. An appeal for peace and unity, placing responsibility for conflict on potential aggressors

Highlight: The address set the tone for Lincoln's presidency and his approach to the secession crisis. While it did not prevent the outbreak of the Civil War, it clearly articulated the legal and philosophical basis for the Union's cause.

Example: Lincoln's argument that the Union predated the states would be echoed in future Supreme Court decisions, such as Texas v. White (1869), which declared that the Constitution did not permit states to unilaterally secede.

Lincoln's First Inaugural Address PDF is widely studied for its articulation of the nature of the American Union and its approach to the secession crisis.

Legacy and Impact

Lincoln's First Inaugural Address had a profound impact on the course of American history. While it did not prevent the outbreak of the Civil War, it laid out the fundamental principles that would guide the Union's cause throughout the conflict.

The speech's key arguments: • The perpetual nature of the Union • The illegality of unilateral secession • The federal government's right and duty to enforce its laws in all states

These points became cornerstones of Lincoln's wartime policy and helped shape the modern understanding of American federalism.

Highlight: The address is considered one of the most important speeches in American history, alongside the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address.

Vocabulary: Federalism - A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units

What was the purpose of Lincoln's second Inaugural address? To reflect on the causes and costs of the Civil War and to look forward to peace and reconciliation.

Abraham Lincoln's Opening Remarks

In this opening section of his First Inaugural Address, President Abraham Lincoln begins by addressing his fellow citizens and explaining the purpose of his speech - to take the presidential oath of office as prescribed by the Constitution.

Lincoln then moves to address concerns from Southern states about the new Republican administration. He emphatically states there is no reasonable cause for apprehension about their property, peace or security being endangered. Lincoln points to his own past speeches as evidence that he has no intention to interfere with slavery where it already exists.

Quote: "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so."

Lincoln reiterates his commitment to states' rights, particularly each state's right to control its own domestic institutions. He denounces any unlawful armed invasion of states as among "the gravest of crimes."

Highlight: Lincoln's careful language aimed to reassure Southerners while also firmly stating his opposition to secession. This delicate balancing act set the tone for his approach to the brewing conflict.

Vocabulary: Apprehension - Anxiety or fear about the future