Final answer:
President Lincoln's speech emphasizes the dangers of division and its negative impact on a country, particularly in the context of slavery. The consequences of division can be seen in the Civil War. To address division, promoting understanding, compromise, and unity is crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Lincoln's speech emphasizes the dangers of division and how it negatively impacts a country. In his speech, Lincoln warns that a house divided against itself cannot stand and that the nation cannot endure as half slave and half free. He presents two potential outcomes: either the opponents of slavery will stop its spread and eventually lead to its ultimate extinction, or its advocates will continue to push for its legalization in all states. Lincoln's historical context includes the issue of slavery and the growing sectional divide in the United States.
The consequences of a divided nation can be seen in the Civil War that followed. The division between the North and South over the issue of slavery led to a conflict that resulted in immense loss of life and destruction. A country divided is weakened, as it hampers the ability to make collective decisions and work towards common goals. To address division, a solution would be to promote understanding, compromise, and unity. By finding common ground and working together, a divided country can heal and progress.