4 mars 1861 - Lincoln’s Inaugural Speech

Description:

Lincoln's first inaugural speech addressed the secession of Southern states and ruled this action as a form of rebellion. He had stated he would not interfere with slavery where it existed, but reinforced his intention of holding federal property in slave states. This event is significant because it revealed Lincoln's goal to uphold the Union while avoiding conflict with seceding states; this mindset would drive him as a President and would be reflected in his decisions.