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Read the House
Divided Speech and think about the following: what were the major themes of
this speech? How did Lincoln address the issue of slavery and freedom in the
US? do you think this speech is radical? Why? How Might southerners have reacted?
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House Divided Speech
In the 'House of Divide' speech, Abraham Lincoln
acknowledged the intensifying tension within the American Union over slavery. Apart
from slavery, other themes of the address included politics, fear,
dissatisfaction as well as memory and the past. Primarily, it highlighted the bondage
situation based on Frederick Douglas’s proposed legislation and why the North
risked accepting and expanding the practice in its territory. Foner postulated
that Lincoln discussed the issue of forced servitude by highlighting his
position through supporting the abolition of slavery. Consequently, Abraham
aired his grievances about Douglas’s bill and explained his ethical, radical,
and legal beliefs against bondage.
Lincoln's address was radical since, unlike other leaders, he spoke against compromising on slavery. Majority of the ruling class, including Douglas sought for a middle ground on the practice between the South and the North while Abraham believed it was not right. Using the words' house divided', he spoke for the anxiety that people had towards forced servitude (Foner). The slave-holding South felt the speech was irrational and assumed that it called for...
