Final answer:
The mood of Abraham Lincoln's speeches reflected a sense of cautious optimism and a conciliatory tone. In his first inaugural address, he emphasized unity and reconciliation, while his second address dealt with the nation's moral obligations and a vision for postwar America, including potential rights for former slaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mood of Abraham Lincoln's inaugural speeches can be described as cautiously optimistic and conciliatory. His first inaugural address, delivered on March 4, 1861, amidst the rising tensions leading to the American Civil War, sought to calm fears and assert the permanence of the Union. Lincoln used a tone of reconciliation, emphasizing that the North and South were not enemies but friends, and employing phrases like the "better angels of our nature" to appeal for unity and peace.
By his second inauguration on March 4, 1865, the mood of Lincoln's speech had evolved in response to the imminent end of the Civil War. His address acknowledged the profound changes in American life and the nation's moral obligations. It touched on the themes of justice, reunion, and a hopeful vision for a postwar America, including potential rights for former slaves. His plea for reconciliation was even more poignant, considering the sacrifice and suffering experienced on both sides of the conflict.