LAD #19: Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

President Lincoln delivered his 2nd Inaugural Address on March 4th, 1865.  He started off this speech by declaring that it was not nearly as important as his first speech, which spoke of trying to avoid war in preserving the union.  In this speech he explains why this was not accomplished.  Lincoln explains that averting war was not possible with the north's plea to abolish slavery and the south's persistence in spreading it.  This split could not possibly remain in the same country.  Therefore war was necessary and unavoidable.  Lincoln goes on to say that there are still many similarities in the south, both reading the same bible and believing in the same god.  Lincoln concludes his speech by saying that they must continue to fight until complete unity is restored.