FDR's First Inaugural Speech relates to Lincoln's because he too was coming into the Presidency in a time when America needed to be fixed and there were many problems within it.
Lincoln's 1st Inaugural Address Summary- Lincoln begins by saying that he does not believe in talking about matters that aren't of up most importance to the nation in his address. He starts off talking about slavery and he claims that it is not his intentions to interfere with Southern slavery, and that no states will be favored in the eyes of the Constitution. He continues by saying that returning fugitive slaves is written in the Constitution and it will be enforced. And he pleads for states to abide by the existing laws instead of going against them. Lincoln is aware that the time he is entering the presidency is a very difficult one for our nation with the threat of disunity and succession growing continuously. He believes that disunion by any one state undermines the Constitution, and it is in his intentions to maintain unity. To continue, he doesn't plan on using force against any part of the nation. Lincoln claims that the Constitutional rights have never been openly denied to the American people. Also, if the South does in fact secede from the Union, what is going to stop them having portions of the remaining body secede from them every time they don't get there way. Although Lincoln doesn't necessarily want this, he does say that the people have the right to amend the Constitution. He also acknowledges the fact that they have the right to overthrow the government. Finally, he encourages the people think carefully about their decisions, and it is within their hands whether or not the nation goes into a civil war. But, above all, Lincoln promises that he will preserve, protect, and defend the nation.
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