Final answer:
President Lincoln's rhetoric demonstrated understanding and sympathy towards those on the other side of the Civil War, focusing on reconciliation and the nation's obligations to slaves, while hinting at the possibility of extending voting rights to freedmen as the war drew to a close.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Abraham Lincoln's rhetoric was indeed understanding and sympathetic toward those on the other side of the Civil War. His inaugural address on March 4, 1861, sought to calm southern fears and encourage unity, with Lincoln stating, "We are not enemies, but friends...Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." This plea for reconciliation demonstrates Lincoln's recognition of the shared bonds between Americans and his desire to restore the Union without unnecessary violence. Throughout his presidency, Lincoln displayed a consistent theme of empathy and a hope for reunion, even as he took necessary actions to preserve the Union and eventually end slavery.
Lincoln's words after being re-elected suggest an understanding of reconciliation and an acknowledgement of the nation's obligations to the slaves, highlighting his forward-thinking considering the eventual rights of freed slaves. Lincoln aimed to heal the nation's wounds and unite adversaries post-war. Although he was not advocating for immediate citizenship for former slaves at the beginning of his term, his later speeches hinted at a shift towards considering extending voting rights to black men, revealing a progression in his thinking on the matter of civil rights.