Read Abraham Lincoln’s A House Divided (1858) speech:
National Park Service. (n.d.). House divided speech. U.S. Department of the Interior
https://www.nps.gov/liho/learn/historyculture/housedivided.htm
Next, place yourself in 1858; you have a chance to hear Lincoln’s speech or read a transcript of his speech. What do you believe are the most important elements of the speech? Why? Do you believe that these elements can be accomplished successfully in 1858? Furthermore, how is the central construct that “A house divided against itself cannot stand†appliable in today’s divisive society? How can we use the lessons of Lincoln to unify our society?
A House Divided
- What do you believe are the most important elements of the speech? Why?
There are three most important elements of the speech, namely, slavery, politics, and memory and the past. Slavery is the main cause of division in this context, as Lincoln speaks of “a house divided.” The North opposed slavery, while the South supported it in a division that was almost leading to a civil war. Politics set the center stage because this was a campaign speech for Lincoln as he sought to run as a senator of Illinois. Regulation of slavery was a major point of political debate in the 1850s, and Lincoln had to touch on it in his campaign speech. Lincoln goes down memory lane with little nostalgia to recount how they have come to the precarious situation of 1858. He says “let him study the history of its construction, and trace, if he can, or rather fail, if he can, to trace the evidence of design and concert of action, among its chief architects, from the beginning.”
- Do you believe that these elements can be accomplished successfully in 1858?
These elements could not be accomplished in 1858. Lincoln delivered this speech at the height of the divide between opponents and proponents of slavery – “half slave and half free” as he states. This shows that majority had not taken a side by then to push the country to one side. Besides, Lincoln also said that slavery “was in course of ultimate extinction” that was not fully complete at the time.
- Furthermore, how is the central construct that “A house divided against itself cannot stand” applicable in today’s divisive society?
The construct underscores the fact that people must have a common goal and fight together to win. If they have divided opinions or stands about any issue, they cannot come to a consensus and agree on anything.
- How can we use the lessons of Lincoln to unify our society?
From Lincoln’s speech, it’s evidenced that division breeds discord. Therefore, people must unite and rally behind one goal to achieve success. However, in case of a divide, public awareness campaigns, impartial discussions, and advocacy should be conducted to rally people to one side before picking an agreeable stand.