LAD #19

President Lincoln

In his second inaugural address, President Lincoln said that the progress towards the end of the war was "encouraging" as the Civil War was in its final months. However, he did review how America got to this point, acknowledging that slavery was a principle cause of the war, and that extending slavery was why the southern "insurgents" threatened the Union by war. He says that the government only wanted to restrict the region in which slavery was allowed, implying that the actions of the southerners was not justified. He reminded Americans of how wrong they had been about what the war would be like when it began, saying that neither side thought the war would be as bad as it was, and that neither thought that the cause of the conflict (slavery) would be resolved with or even before the war ended. He finishes by saying that he hopes that, he hopes that Americans are able to work together and end the war soon and heal quickly, which would promote a "lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

President George Washington

Washington's Neutrality Proclamation is relatable to Lincoln's speech since both are advocating for a lasting peace, both in America and abroad.