LAST PUBLIC Address 15.1 ABRAHAM LINCOLN

HISTORICAL CONTEXT On April 11, 1865, Abraham Lincoln celebrates the surrender of Robert E. Lee's Confederate army by presenting a speech, his “Last Public Address,” to a crowd at the White House, three days before his assassination.

Intended audience Lincoln presented his address to a joy-filled crowd that was on the winning side of the Civil War (Union)

purpose Lincoln wanted to take advantage of the occasion by declaring his Reconstruction strategies, so that the United States might become united again.

Purpose (message) His message of Reconstruction is made clear when he says, "We simply must begin with, and move from, disorganized and discordant elements," which alludes to the rebuilding of the union.

Point of view Lincoln’s mindset was to begin social/political reformation within the states (specifically Southern states) to avoid further conflict and to end hostility between Southern and Northern states to promote a stronger and not war torn country.

Outside information A part of Lincoln’s reconstruction plan was his 10% plan in which he offered amnesty to Southerners under the conditions that they swore an oath of loyalty and agreed slavery was illegal. Similarly, Andrew Johnson’s (pres after Lincoln) reconstruction plan also benefited former slaves in that he required states to accept their rights.

synthesis Looking back at KP2, the cartoon "Join, or Die" by Benjamin Franklin was recycled to encourage the former colonies to unite against British rule and engage in war (American Revolution), but in contrast, in KP5, Lincoln’s reconstruction plan of uniting the Southern and Northern sates was enforced in order to conclude a war (Civil War) and to establish peace.