Question

In Abraham Lincoln's speech, identify the section where he mentions Southerners attempting secession without violence. Provide a specific example from the text.

Which part of the speech discusses Southerners' attempt at secession without resorting to violence?

A. Introduction
B. Body
C. Conclusion
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Abraham Lincoln's speech in the body section expresses a desire to prevent secessionist violence, aiming to maintain peace unless attacked, which indirectly refers to Southerners' attempts to secede peacefully.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address, the section that discusses Southerners' attempt at secession without resorting to violence tallies with the body of the speech. Specifically, Lincoln addressed the issue of secession and stated he would not use violence unless forced to do so. He expressed a desire for reconciliation and emphasized that the Union was permanent, refuting the constitutionality of secession. This set a tone of averting war unless the Confederacy attacked first, which demonstrates an attempt to maintain peace and the Union without violence.

Lincoln's strategy was to avoid escalating tension and to put the burden of initiating violence on the Confederacy, stating that the Union would only fight if attacked. Unfortunately, war became unavoidable with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. In choosing to meet aggression with force, Lincoln signalled the impossibility of peaceful secession but also made clear he aimed to prevent war through non-violent means as long as possible.