Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
An excerpted version of Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address that asks students to predict what they think he will say given the historical context and then reflect on what he did say to Northerners, Southerners, Soldiers, and Citizens.
| Excerpt | Vocabulary and Context |
| With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, | malice: desire to harm
charity: spirit of kindness without judgement Firmness: Strength and determination. Right: A moral entitlement.
Lincoln is emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding, even towards those who have caused harm. |
| let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; | strive: make great efforts
work: In this speech, the Civil War bind up: bandage
Lincoln is calling for unity, forgiveness, and healing after the war. |
| to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan | borne the battle: the soldiers who have fought
widow: a wife of a husband who has died orphan: a child whose parent has died |
| —to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations. | achieve: reach a goal
cherish: hold dear, protect just: upholding what is right and fair
Lincoln is expressing concern for the well-being of those affected by the war, especially the soldiers and their families. |