Inaugurations

11 items

Mount Rushmore featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Presidential Inaugurations, Past and Present

E Lesson

What is the role of a presidential inauguration in our constitutional system?

George Washington’s First Inaugural Address (1789)

Primary Source - 1622 Words

Primary Source

1622 Words

George Washington, the nation's first president, made his first inaugural address before both houses of Congress. He acknowledged Providence as guiding the nation’s steps: "No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States."

Text design featuring "Primary Source Close Read" and titles for George Washington's addresses, with stylized glasses illustration.

George Washington’s Farewell Address and First Inaugural Address | A Primary Source Close Read w/BRI

Video

57 Min

Kicking off our summer Close Reading series, BRI staff Kirk and Tony explore two of George Washington's most famous works, his Farewell Address and his First Inaugural Address, to understand what qualities made Washington a great leader. What underlying principles informed Washington's actions? And how did he see his role in charting the future of a nation?

57 Min

Portrait of a man with light hair and a serious expression, dressed in 18th-century attire.

Handout A: Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address Excerpts

Activity

Reading Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI

Video

30 Min

Kirk and Tony analyze Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, paying close attention to how Lincoln speaks directly to a broken nation, and how the overall address compared in tone to his First Inaugural Address. How did Lincoln convey his plans for reconciling a war-torn nation?

30 Min

With Charity for All: Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and Respect

Lesson - 2 Activities

Lesson

2 Activities

45 Min

In this lesson, students will review Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, delivered as Union troops were within sight of ultimate victory in the Civil War. They will analyze how he demonstrated respect in his approach to his second term of office and plans for restoring the Union. They will achieve the following objectives.

45 Min