Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, delivered his Second Inaugural Address in front of a crowd in Washington, DC, on March 4, 1865. The audience included a mix of dignitaries and everyday citizens. On the dais sat members of Congress, military officials, and foreign diplomats. Beyond the official seating, a heterogeneous crowd filled the Capitol grounds, including wounded veterans in uniform, families eager to hear about the future of the nation, and Black troops who had recently fought for the Union.

Lincoln’s address, delivered as the Civil War neared its conclusion, is a reflection on the tumultuous period leading up to 1865 and the president’s vision for the nation’s recovery and unity. At the heart of Lincoln’s speech is the acknowledgment of the universal expectation that the war was drawing to a close and the shared, yet divergent, prayers of both the North and South for victory.

This study guide refers to the version found on the National Park Services website and is cited by paragraph.

Content Warning: The source material and this guide reference the enslavement of Black Americans and the associated racism and prejudice.