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What are the similarities between northerners and southerners that lincoln outlines in the speech? what are the differences? why does lincoln highlight these similarities and differences in the speech?

User Chief
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Final answer:

Lincoln's speeches identified shared values of liberty and the legacy of the American Revolution between Northerners and Southerners. The key differences revolved around the issue of slavery. Lincoln emphasized these points to foster unity and dampen the fervor for secession.

Step-by-step explanation:

The similarities between Northerners and Southerners that Lincoln outlines in his speeches can be seen in their shared values of liberty and the belief that their actions were in keeping with the legacy of the American Revolution. However, the differences lay in their interpretation concerning the role of slavery. Northerners believed in a conspiracy that a slave power dominated national politics, whereas Southerners perceived an abolitionist movement threatening their way of life.

Lincoln highlighted these similarities and differences to underline the fundamental common ground upon which both sides stood, while also addressing the divisive issues. By doing so, Lincoln attempted to soothe tensions, emphasizing the vision that a permanent Union was essential. His famous plea, "We are not enemies, but friends...Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection," aimed to reconcile the two sides, emphasizing unity over conflict and division.

User Yashpal Singla
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Frequently addressing, Northerners were real lovers of Lincoln. Opponent to slavery and its expansion were broadly upheld, so Lincoln's campaign promise not to increase slavery was affectionately greeted. There was also a general understanding in the North that the American way of politics had been skewed too far towards protecting the attention of the Southern states.

The North encountered higher migration than the South. Southerners spent in slavery while Northerners spent in manufacturing. The slavery problem escalated strains between the North and South.

Jefferson assumed that Chastellux had identified the Virginians, just probably over with a generous eye. He takes it against himself to describe moreover what are some of Chastellux's approaches especially in connection to the business penetration.

According to Lincoln, in a letter to Alexander Stephens:

Do the people of the South actually consider fears that a Republican government would, undeviatingly, or discursively, conflict with their slaves, or with them, regarding their slaves? If they do, I envy to reassure you, as once a companion, and yet, I believe, not an opponent, that there is no reason for before-mentioned worries. The South would be in no further threat in this regard than it was in the times of Washington. I think, though, this does not fit the case. You believe slavery is legitimate, and consider it to be a moral obligation that has to be stretched; while we believe it is evil and ought to be diminished. That I guess is the difficulty. It absolutely is the only real distinction among us.

User Lukas Pierce
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