NK 70 SET 3
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University of New South Wales *
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8600
Subject
History
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by ChancellorElectron10813
The document under analysis is Abraham Lincoln's "House Divided" speech, delivered on June 16,
1858. Lincoln was a known political figure and lawyer from Illinois, and at the time of the speech, he
was a candidate for the U.S. Senate. The motive behind Lincoln's speech was to present his stance on
the issue of slavery, seeking to position himself as a moderate in the increasingly divided nation.
As the speech was delivered during the time of heightened tensions between the northern and
southern states, it is evident that Lincoln's views on slavery were influenced by the political climate.
Lincoln, as a Republican candidate, aimed to appeal to both abolitionists and moderates who sought
a solution to the slavery problem. While he held personal beliefs against slavery, his primary goal was
to preserve the Union.
Lincoln was a direct observer of the events and issues he discussed in the speech, as he had been
actively involved in politics and debates surrounding slavery for many years. Given his role in politics,
it is reasonable to assume that Lincoln's views were colored by his own biases and assumptions, as
well as the political pressures he faced. However, there is no reason to doubt that Lincoln genuinely
believed in and expressed his true beliefs in the speech.
The "House Divided" speech was produced in 1858, which was contemporary to the events and
issues it describes. It was delivered in Springfield, Illinois, and the speech was intended to be public
as it was delivered to a large audience. The document has come down to us through various sources,
including newspaper reports and eyewitness accounts. While there is a possibility that some versions
of the speech could have been tampered with, the general content and message of the speech
remain consistent across different sources.
The document falls into the category of a speech. The type of writing affects the content of the
document as it is structured as a persuasive argument, using rhetorical devices to convey its
message. The document is in the original language in which it was produced, English. The translation
is not relevant as it is not a translated document.
The intended audience of the document was the residents of Illinois and the wider American public.
Lincoln was representing the Republican Party and sought to address and persuade voters to support
his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. He aimed to appeal to both abolitionists and moderates by
presenting a nuanced argument on the issue of slavery.
In terms of content, the main theme of the speech is the division within the nation over the issue of
slavery. Lincoln argues that the nation cannot continue to be divided and survive alongside both free
and slave states. He asserts that the nation will either become all slave states or all free states.
Lincoln presents the Republican Party as the voice of moderation, seeking to prevent the spread of
slavery while respecting the rights of existing slave states.
The speech provides important information about Lincoln's views on slavery and his political strategy.
It sheds light on the highly contentious issue of slavery and the deep divisions it created within the
country. Lincoln's argument that the nation cannot endure as a house divided foreshadows the
impending Civil War.
The believability of the document is high as Lincoln was a reputable and respected political figure.
His views on slavery were well-documented and consistent throughout his career. While the speech
may not be corroborated by other sources, the core thesis of the document aligns with other
historical evidence and the eventual outcome of the Civil War.
Overall, the "House Divided" speech is a significant document that reflects the divisive nature of the
slavery issue and Lincoln's attempt to position himself as a moderate within the political landscape. It
had a substantial impact on public opinion and the trajectory of the nation, ultimately leading to
Lincoln's election as president and the eventual abolition of slavery. The speech serves as a crucial
moment in history and showcases Lincoln's skill in persuasive rhetoric and his role in shaping the
future of the United States.
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