Answer: Abraham Lincoln's vision for the Union underwent significant changes between his first and second inaugural addresses as a result of the evolving circumstances of the Civil War.
During his first inaugural address on March 4, 1861, Lincoln aimed to assure the Southern states that he had no intention of interfering with slavery where it was already established. He emphasized that the Union was perpetual and secession was illegal and unconstitutional. He also stressed his commitment to preserving the Union, stating that he would use force to defend federal property and uphold the laws.
However, by the time of his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865, Lincoln's vision had transformed significantly. After four years of Civil War, which caused enormous loss of life and destruction of property, Lincoln viewed the war not just as a struggle to preserve the Union but also as a moral crusade to end slavery and uphold the principles of equality and freedom.
In his second inaugural address, Lincoln contemplated the causes of the war, acknowledging that both the North and South had prayed to the same God, but their prayers had been answered differently. He recognized the role of slavery in causing the conflict, stating that "all knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war." Additionally, he spoke of the need for reconciliation between the North and South and urged that "with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds."
Overall, Lincoln's second inaugural address demonstrated a more profound and nuanced understanding of the causes and consequences of the Civil War. He saw the conflict not only as a struggle to preserve the Union but also as a moral crusade to end slavery and promote the values of freedom and equality for all Americans.