Final answer:
Abolitionists viewed slavery as immoral, which was part of the historical context behind Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address. Although he believed slavery was morally wrong, his address primarily emphasized the permanent nature of the Union.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abolitionists branded slavery as immoral. This is a historical concept rooted in the antislavery and abolitionist movements which emerged with strong vigor in the United States, particularly in the 19th century. These movements were driven by a belief system that considered slavery to be a severe violation of human rights and morally reprehensible. The abolitionists, many of whom were driven by strong religious convictions, believed that slavery defied the principles of Christianity and was a great sin against the moral virtue of the nation.
When we look at Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address, which occurred against a backdrop of profound national tension over the issue of slavery, it is seen that he emphasized the permanent nature of the Union. While Lincoln held that slavery was morally wrong, the primary focus of his address was on the union of the states. This approach was part of Lincoln's overall strategy to address the fractures that were threatening to tear the United States apart leading up to the Civil War.