The second presidential term of Abraham Lincoln began after the end of the American Civil War. However, although the North united was able to defeat the Confederacy of the Southern States, the country was in a difficult position in many respects, from social to economic. Blacks freed by the Emancipation Proclamation had to be carefully reintegrated into society, thus building a reality in which whites and blacks coexist on new terms (History.com, 2021). This work could not be done quickly and without problems due to the presence of a considerable number of contradictions and prejudices in society. Therefore, I consider the closing words of the last paragraph to be an essential part of Lincoln’s second inaugural address. “…To do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations,” – from my perspective, these are the most important words to the people of that time (“Lincoln’s second inaugural address,” 2020). In them, the essence of the policy that Lincoln wanted to implement in his second presidential term is contained.
The survivors of the Civil War needed many things, from food to security for the future. The land of the South needed to be reconstructed, interstate relations needed to be adjusted, and peace needed to be established throughout the United States (Hassler, 2021). The past war divided many people, and although it allowed resolving some of the accumulated contradictions, at the same time, it left many wounds that required treatment. Moreover, the war had incredibly exhausted all sides, and both the South and the North needed calm. That is why it seems to me that Lincoln’s final message resonated the most with the people of America at that time. Assuming his presidency, he called on everyone not to fight against a common enemy but to restore the country and live in peace. From my point of view, confidence in a peaceful life is precisely what was urgently needed by all Americans.
References
Hassler, W. (2021). American Civil War. Encyclopædia Britannica.
History.com (2021). Civil War – Causes, dates & battles.
Lincoln’s second inaugural address. (2020). National Park Service.