Document Interpretation 6 Popular Sovereignty

Sherman's March to the Sea

The first inaugural speech Abraham Lincoln gave addressed must
be cited for its peacemaking approach to the South. Recently elected
President Lincoln addressed the many citizens of America on Monday,
March 4, 1861. Its clear that Lincoln is the author, for the first time as
leader Lincoln wanted to connect with his citizen not through
celebration but by focusing on the problem at hand; which was the
southern Confederate States of America long-lasting problematic issue
of Slavery. This source is a historical government document, and the
message of this document is that, many southerners were
apprehensive that their property, peace and personal security would
be endangered. Due to the fact, he was not welcomed by them
because he was a Republican who didnt support slavery, Lincoln
assured them they have nothing to worry about.
Lincolns intended audience is all the men and women of
America he proceeded to cite the constitution in detail, by swiftly
stating that although he was elected president he saw no lawful reason
for him to interfere with the institution of slavery in states that choose
to govern their own state policies to a certain extent because its their
right to do so. This document was created to ease everyone who was
present at his speech, didnt want a divided country. He goes on
further to say that those who voted for him and oppose slavery knew
he would not be interested in prohibiting slavery which stated during
his campaign. He directs his speech to the southern states claiming
that he and his administration will denounce any lawless invasion of
armed forces no matter the horrible injustice of crimes.
President Lincoln further assures the southerners that he
wouldnt be appealing the Fugitive Slave Act. A law which allows any
slave escaping a slave state to enter a free state, but not seen free by
government law and could be apprehended and sent back to their
owners. He also notes that the government will maintain the
Constitutionally protected laws of the nation which covered slavery.
Lincoln tells everyone to not focus on this issue so panic will not ensue.
So, the country couldnt be divided legally because they are joined
together by the Constitution, and dividing everyone would cause
destruction and it was a previous failed attempt. Furthermore,
President Lincoln address that the Constitution is a contract that cant
be broken unless everyone chooses to end so no one could leave.
The south couldnt breach the contract because the North
would not allow them to do so without violating the United States.
Finally, he makes it aware that they know slavery is progressing into
areas that do not yet state. Which cause fear in the slave states
because these new states may vote to become slave-free territories
and could vote with congress to change the law on slavery. He again
tells them not to worry because the supreme court will help with that
decision if that time comes. He states that both the north and south
should peacefully work alongside to control slavery. He wanted
everyone to be friendly and kind to each other when working together.
However, if south becomes violent he will be forced to retaliate
with violence to protect the rest of the nation or there will be a civil war
in the future. I believe this document is accurate because its Lincolns
firsthand account of what he wanted to address to the American
citizens as they begin a new presidency, with him governing over
them. This document gives a clear description of what occurred during
his inaugural speech. This document is valuable to me because it
connects to my textbook in chapters 14 through 16; which discusses
how many white northern citizens and free slaves becoming activist
fighting to abolishing slavery in the south. Due to the north and south
fighting over the institution of slavery, like addressed in the book
president Lincoln tried to prevent a war between each region which
ultimately occurred and so began the civil war.