Lincoln’s House Divided Speech “In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached and passed. ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved—I do not expect the house to fall—but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.” --A.L.
IQ’S What does the word “it” refer to in the first line of the text? What, according to Lincoln, threatens the stability of a house? In your opinion, which is more important to Lincoln…ending slavery or preserving the Union? Do you agree with Lincoln’s position? Why or why not?
America…The Resolution Unit 1, Notes 2
Failed Compromises Missouri Compromise of 1820 : an attempt to keep the numbers of slave and free states equal; slavery banned in all regions north of 36 degrees North latitude and allowed in all regions south of 36 degrees Compromise of 1850 : California added as free state, popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico territories, Fugitive Slave Act enforced
Avoiding the Issue President James K. Polk (1845-1849) wages war on Mexico in attempt to add Texas as a southern state. Implication…adopts policy of westward expansion rather than taking a stand on the expansion of slavery. Senator Stephen Douglas pushes Kansas-Nebraska Act (popular sovereignty) through Congress and betrays anti-slavery supporters. More concerned with economic development than the moral issue of slavery. President James Buchanan (1857-1861) does nothing when southern states secede but saves problem for Lincoln to handle.
Election of 1860
Election of 1860: The Results South Carolina called for a state legislature convention that voted unanimously for the Ordinance of Secession (December 20, 1860)… other states soon followed Original states of Southern secession (7) South Carolina Mississippi Florida Alabama Georgia Louisiana Texas Democratic split allowed the Republicans to win the majority of votes in the heavily populated North Though receiving only 40% of the popular vote, Lincoln carried enough electoral votes to win the election and become the first Republican president Many Southerners feared the election of the "Black Republicans" was a threat to their society and culture
Lincoln’s House Divided Speech “In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached and passed. ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved—I do not expect the house to fall—but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.” --A.L.
A Mover and a Shaker: Lincoln Pushes the Envelope “House Divided” speech intimidates southern slaveholders His election leads to the immediate secession of several southern states Civil War begins 1861
American Civil War 1861-1865
Rich Man’s War, Poor Man’s Fight Southern High Tide Superior leadership Defensive strategy Natural battlefield instincts Turning Point Gettysburg Northern keys to success Industrial base Better weapons Numerical advantage Moral cause Southerners lose heart
Significance America becomes industrial nation Crossroads of American History American identity is born (American first, southerner second) Triumph of Democracy: “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people” did not perish from the earth
Early American History Unit 1 Review Early American History
Melting Pot Adopt American American Culture First Ethnicity Second Immigration
English Spanish Early Founders Native Americans French
36° North Missouri Compromise Dividing Line 1820 Free & Slave States 36° North Missouri Compromise Dividing Line 1820
Salad Bowl American Second Ethnicity First Examples Maintain Ethnic Culture American Second Salad Bowl Ethnicity First Examples
Opportunity Freedom Security Prosperity Common Ideals That Americans Share Security Prosperity
Others to Know Federalism vs. Anti-Federalism The Great Compromise 3/5’s Compromise James K. Polk Stephen Douglas James Buchanan Kansas-Nebraska Act Compromise of 1850 Lincoln’s House Divided Speech