Julia Ward Howe: The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Patriotic songs aim to unite people in a musical celebration of togetherness and patriotism. The song “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Julia Ward Howe commemorates the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. The country’s destiny was uncertain for four years as two parts of America, the Union and the Confederacy, fought. As a result, the United States of America, under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, battled the Confederate States of America.
The song soon spread across the Union soldiers and was embraced by Union supporters eager to teach the Southern rebels a lesson and end slavery. Not only did the song call for the abolition of slavery as the cause of the war, but it also declared that God was on the North’s side and that the Union would triumph to make people free. This song has been a staple of patriotic programs for many years and remains a popular choice for singing in churches and educational institutions across the nation.
The Gettysburg Address
President Abraham Lincoln’s “The Gettysburg Address” is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal speeches in American history. He cited the Declaration of Independence’s values of human equality. Moreover, Abraham Lincoln connected the sacrifices of the Civil War with the yearning for freedom, the paramount importance of maintaining the Union, and its ultimate goal of self-government. Abraham Lincoln spoke for barely two minutes, and his entire message comprised fewer than 275 words.
The central principle of the Founding Fathers was to ensure that the government of, by, and for the people would not vanish from the planet. Abraham Lincoln viewed the war as a pivotal moment in the global struggle for self-government, freedom, and equality, drawing on biblical concepts of suffering, dedication, and rebirth. He selected these values to motivate and unite people, emphasizing that soldiers’ deaths were not in vain and that a great civil war had the purpose of guaranteeing liberty and freedom for all.
Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address
Abraham Lincoln extended an olive branch to the South in his inaugural address, but he also stated that he intended to enforce federal laws in the states that had seceded. He promised not to intervene with slavery in the South and urged the Confederate states to seek reconciliation with the North. Seven states had departed the Union since Lincoln’s election in November 1860. The lower South separated and founded the Confederate States of America, fearing that the election of a Republican would jeopardize their privileges, particularly slavery. During the process, some states seized federal facilities, like armories and forts.
The threat of war was already present when Abraham Lincoln arrived for his inauguration. He was careful in his speech, making no particular threats against the Southern states. As a result, Abraham Lincoln had considerable leeway in attempting to maintain the upper South states in the Union.
In his inaugural address, the President committed not to interfere with the practice of slavery where it existed and to cease federal government activity in areas of hostility temporarily. Nevertheless, he took a strong stand against secession and the theft of government property. Abraham Lincoln emphasized that the government would keep, occupy, and own its property and collect taxes. He reiterated that there should be no killing or violence and that there would be none until the national leadership is compelled to do so. The President concluded his speech with an elegant reminder of the country’s shared history.