During Lincoln’s inaugural address he appeals to American patriotism by saying “we” and “our” to unite his fellow people. Lincoln states “Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray” in an attempt to instill a feeling of unity among the American people. He also states that we must finish the work we’re in “to bind up the nation’s wounds” which yet again, creates a feeling of national pride. Lincoln persuades American citizens to stand together in an attempt to reconstruct a broken nation and create a brighter future.
Lincoln suggested that slavery had offended god and asks why people that worship the same god are at war with each other, especially over a problem such as slavery, by saying “let us not judge, that we be not judged.” He uses the bible to focus on the hope of reunification instead of the current issue at hand. Lincoln also states “Both read the same Bible, and both pray to the same God” meaning to break down a barrier between whites and blacks to aid in the reconstruction of the country. Through using the bible, Lincoln gives Americans a sense of protection, unity, and a driving force to help their country.
Lincoln’s second inaugural address gives the people of the Unites states feelings of patriotism and unity. He was also able to give them a new point of view, that even though there is war, we all pray to the same god. Lincoln encourages his fellow citizens to help their country in its time of need and put an end to the civil war. Lincoln is able to achieve the purpose of his speech healing a nation that is broken to create the United States of America, one nation under God.
