American History

Abraham Lincoln is the 16th President of the United State. He is arguably one of the greatest leaders of history. He is also one of the most influential US Presidents of all time. Lincoln was elected twice into office and served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865.

As president Lincoln led the country through the Civil War, the darkest hour of the nations history. He fought against the expansion of slavery and was a strong advocate of equality until his very end. Among the many speeches Lincoln delivered during his time of office as the President and before, three stand as the best and the most popular. They are his Second Inaugural Speech, his address at Gettysburg, and what is known as the House Divided Speech.

This paper will explore the messages that Lincoln shared through these speeches. It will discuss the effects of these speeches during his time and today. Finally it will determine the characteristics of Lincoln as a leader through his words. More importantly it will show why Lincoln remains one of the best US Presidents of all time.

The Second Inaugural Speech
The second inaugural speech of Abraham Lincoln was delivered in March 4, 1865. It remains one of the shortest inaugural speeches to date, having only a total of 701 words and spoken only from 6 to 7 minutes. However although the speech is brief, its significance is deep-seated. White describes Lincolns address as the Presidents finest and most important effort.

At the time of Lincolns second inauguration, the civil war was coming to an end and so was slavery. For his part, Lincoln was coming for a tightly won reelection. His speech could have been celebratory. It was not. It was not festive. In fact, it was for some part somber. Many even propose that it was not actually a speech but more like a sermon.

Lincoln took the opportune time of his second inauguration to speak about the war. He was direct in his suppositions. He did not even try to sugar coat the situation. Lincoln knew the whole nation was on edge. He knew there will be victory and there will be defeat. His challenge to the nation was simple. He spoke of reconciliation and restoration. He spoke of justice and absolution. In his words spoke let us judge not, that we be not judged.

He emphasized the need of the nation to heal. The war is ending. It was not a time to rejoice. It was time to work towards rebuilding a broken nation. His clamor for unity was very clear in his words with malice towards none, with charity for all. The war was ending. It was time to unite for a common goal, that is the nations recovery.

While Lincoln knew that in the war one side will win as the other will lose, he balanced it off by determining that all things happens as God plans them. Lincoln confidently argued that the war and its ending were predestined. Just as well as the war was a result of Gods sovereignty over man, the nations restoration too will be with Gods grace. The strength of Lincolns second inaugural lies on its promise of reconciliation and healing through a unified force, truths that remain enduring until today.

The Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg address is one of the most poignant speeches of all time. It is considered to be the most compelling. It is no wonder the speech has been regarded as the greatest in US history.  Lincoln gave the speech during the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery in November 19, 1863.

Lincolns speech came at a time when lives were being lost because of the war. Many soldiers from both sides have sacrificed themselves. Their families sacrificed with them. Lincoln reminded the nation that the memories of the dead should not go in vain.

Through the speech Lincoln expressed his utter respect for those who have fought valiantly in the war. In his dedication he called Gettysburg as the final resting place of those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. Lincoln reminded the nation that Gettysburg is more than a cemetery for the dead soldiers. Gettysburg serves as a reminder of the new birth of freedom that the fallen have died achieving. He challenged the nation to continue preserving what they so selflessly sacrificed for. Lincoln understood that the nation was hurting. He knew that the people were distraught by the damage of the war. His spoke words to unify the nation again.

There are five known manuscripts of the Gettysburg address, each one varying somehow from the other. However, the gist of Lincolns speech is preserved within every single one of them. He believed that the founding fathers intentions are based on freedom and equality. His words powerfully pushed forth this understanding. He also believed that only a unified nation can move forward after a tragedy like war. And each version ends with his most famous line. Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from earth are strong words to inspire then and now.

The House Divided Speech
The first time Abraham Lincoln ran for a senate seat he lost to Stephen Douglas. It was believed that Lincoln was the favored candidate for the state of Illinois until he made what was to be known as the House Divided speech. The speech stirred so much controversy during that time that it spurred what US history calls the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Lincoln delivered his House Divided during his acceptance of nomination as the
Republican representative for the US senate in June 16, 1858. While Lincolns bid that year suffered mostly because of the speech, it is viewed as one of the most powerful speeches in history.

Lincolns critiques called the speech radical and somewhat partisan. He brazenly challenged the nation with his words a house divided against itself cannot stand. Lincoln called for unity as he denounced slavery. At the time he expressed his views, he was going against the grain of government.

He articulated his own discomfort about having a nation that is half-slave and half-free. Lincoln was all for equality and liberty. He made sure that people understand where his inclinations were, regardless if he wins or loses. Lincoln never wavered in his resolve.

The speechs prominence is mostly due to the spirit behind it. Lincoln reminded the people that the nation was founded in democracy and equality. These two should always be together. It is after all what America is all about.

Conclusion
The speeches of Lincoln have managed to inspire people of his time and today because of the timeless messages they impart. He was consistent in his beliefs of unity, liberty, compassion and more importantly faith. His speeches have endured because of the spirit that is behind them. Lincoln was a man of faith, his words showed it. He loved the nation his words let people see that.

As the nations leader Lincoln remained strong amidst adversary. He was humble in victory and gracious in defeat. He never compromised his faith and his principles. His words were not merely words. His words were a reflection of the true man.