1) Times of war create an environment of social shifts and change.The conscription African Americans in the Civil War and Japanese Americans in Word War II are two examples of this. Do you think you would want to fight under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
2)How do you think African American soldiers impacted the outcome of the war? Do you think their participation had an effect beyond the battlefield? Explain.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Text Analysis of First Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln
Text Analysis of First Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln
Who wrote it:
Written by Abraham Lincoln for the occasion of his inauguration held on March 4, 1861
Audience:
The citizens of the United States
Represent:
The Inaugural address represents a seized opportunity by Lincoln to make clear to the people his intentions toward resolving the existing tensions between the North and South at the time of his election. Lincoln is eloquent in his language, but directly addresses and acknowledges the difficulties facing the nation and more immediately, his administration.
What is being said:
Lincoln focuses primarily upon assuaging the apprehensions of the Southern members of his audience, addressing the issue of slavery and state's rights from the beginning of his speech. He continues this Southern bent by stating that the responsibility of President, administration and the States themselves was to uphold the Constitution. Lincoln declares that no State has the right to remove themselves of their own volition from the Union, and that to do so is unlawful. Lincoln speaks further about the issue of slavery, indicating his support of the Fugitive Slave Act, and his belief that the Constitution already contains provisions that can be applied to the situation at hand. He speaks briefly about the continuation of mail service throughout the States through the difficult times at hand. Lincoln asks the audience to consider the seriousness of Secession, and assures the South that no action will be taken against them unprovoked.
How is it being said:
The language used by Lincoln is crafted to provide his audience with a sense of reassurance that many of the fears prevalent amongst the citizenry at this tension filled time are unfounded. Lincoln relies upon his own past statements and refers to the Constitution, the office of the Presidency and the role of government to attempt to create a sense of security for the audience. Lincoln speaks firmly and eloquently, both of his desire to maintain the Union and his distaste for violence and secession.He employs an emotive reverence, appealing to the people themselves as the key to restoring harmony.
What proof:
Lincoln makes many references to the Constitution as a means to illustrate a backdrop of unity, “All members of Congress swear their support to the whole Constitution..”, “Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union will endure forever..” The assuaging tone of the speech is also evident in his repeated statements echoing his opening remarks about not interfering with the States right to “order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgement”. When urging a calm and thoughtful approach to resolution, Lincoln assures the citizenry, “The Government will not assail you.” He appeals to the higher qualities of his audience to curry their support: “Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty”.
Who wrote it:
Written by Abraham Lincoln for the occasion of his inauguration held on March 4, 1861
Audience:
The citizens of the United States
Represent:
The Inaugural address represents a seized opportunity by Lincoln to make clear to the people his intentions toward resolving the existing tensions between the North and South at the time of his election. Lincoln is eloquent in his language, but directly addresses and acknowledges the difficulties facing the nation and more immediately, his administration.
What is being said:
Lincoln focuses primarily upon assuaging the apprehensions of the Southern members of his audience, addressing the issue of slavery and state's rights from the beginning of his speech. He continues this Southern bent by stating that the responsibility of President, administration and the States themselves was to uphold the Constitution. Lincoln declares that no State has the right to remove themselves of their own volition from the Union, and that to do so is unlawful. Lincoln speaks further about the issue of slavery, indicating his support of the Fugitive Slave Act, and his belief that the Constitution already contains provisions that can be applied to the situation at hand. He speaks briefly about the continuation of mail service throughout the States through the difficult times at hand. Lincoln asks the audience to consider the seriousness of Secession, and assures the South that no action will be taken against them unprovoked.
How is it being said:
The language used by Lincoln is crafted to provide his audience with a sense of reassurance that many of the fears prevalent amongst the citizenry at this tension filled time are unfounded. Lincoln relies upon his own past statements and refers to the Constitution, the office of the Presidency and the role of government to attempt to create a sense of security for the audience. Lincoln speaks firmly and eloquently, both of his desire to maintain the Union and his distaste for violence and secession.He employs an emotive reverence, appealing to the people themselves as the key to restoring harmony.
What proof:
Lincoln makes many references to the Constitution as a means to illustrate a backdrop of unity, “All members of Congress swear their support to the whole Constitution..”, “Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union will endure forever..” The assuaging tone of the speech is also evident in his repeated statements echoing his opening remarks about not interfering with the States right to “order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgement”. When urging a calm and thoughtful approach to resolution, Lincoln assures the citizenry, “The Government will not assail you.” He appeals to the higher qualities of his audience to curry their support: “Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty”.
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