- Abe Lincoln declared that on January 1 of 1963, all slaves of any state in rebellion with the Union would be considered free men. These former slaves would be granted protection by the Union army, and the government would use force if necessary to enforce this new law. He adds that the slaves would be given the opportunity to serve in the Union army. He closes by firmly saying that this is an act of justice allowed by the Constitution.
- Lincoln begins his speech by saying that his second inaugural address will be relatively short compared to his first, nor does he have to lay out a course of action for the country this time around. He reminds us that 4 years ago, the Union was being threatened by the potential secession of the South, and when they eventually did secede the Civil War started. However, he does not offer a prediction as to how the end of the war will play out. He also cites the issue of slavery as a main cause of the war, and the north will continue to try and contain it. He finishes by saying that the war is taking longer than anyone could have predicted, and it is God's will that is keeping it going.
- The Dred Scott case was originally supposed to be presided over by Justice Nelson, but was then given to Justice Roger Taney. President-elect James Buchanan was in a lame-duck period, and wanted to hear the decision of the court so he could use that information in his inaugural address. He did find the information, so he openly supported the Court in his address. As for the court case itself, Taney ultimately decided that slaves were indeed considered property, thus rendering the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional because it was prohibiting citizens from life, liberty, and property without due process of law. This case was a blow to ongoing abolitionist movements, because it was essentially providing another excuse for racial inequality to continue.
- In this famous speech, Truth is discussing the different perceptions in regards to white and black women. She points out that white women are treated with respect and courtesy from men (helped into carriages, lifted over ditches). Meanwhile, black women receive nothing of this sort- Truth speaks of how she labors tirelessly to raise a family, essentially working as hard as any man does. Hence the repeating line, "Ain't I a woman?" She is saying that she, as a black women, deserves the same courtesy that white women do. She is asking for fair share for the black women. To close her speech, she references Eve from the Bible, saying that if the first woman God created was powerful enough to turn the world upside down (create sin), then the women of today are powerful enough to turn it back right side up.
- Douglass begins his speech by questioning whether he truly can participate in the Independence Day celebrations. He points out that white Americans can enjoy this day, but he and his fellow African Americans cannot because they are not truly free. He questions the principles stated in the Declaration of Independence, which includes the notion that all men are created equal-apparently this does not include black folk (most notably slaves). He then strongly denounces slavery, calling it a terrible sin. He feels as if the 4th of July celebrations are "false", as they are covering up the crimes committed by Americans. He says that he hopes America will someday abide by the words written in the Declaration and outlaw slavery.
- In a brief and beautifully crafted speech, Lincoln is honoring the brave soldiers who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg in order to preserve the Union. He says that their deaths cannot go in vain, and that America has to remain as one strong nation, with a government for the people and by the people, just as the founding fathers intended "fourscore and seven years ago."
- Lincoln's First Inaugural Address mostly concerns slavery, which was arguably the most hotly contested issue of the time. However, Lincoln avoids blatantly taking a side in the issue, as he knows doing so would turn a large portion of America against him. He knows that slavery could cause further tensions in America and ultimately cause the Union to split. He states that any act of a state seceding would not be lawful and considered revolutionary. He also mentions that he will use his power as president justly, and by no means ever unnecessarily use force against the people. Essentially, he is reiterating how important is to keep the Union together, as there is many potential major problems stemming from a broken country.
- In this speech, Calhoun is displaying a great deal of foresight in conveying his fear that sectionalism was creating a rift in the U.S and was putting it's well-being in jeopardy. He believed that slavery was the biggest cause of the divide, as the North and South had completely opposite views on it, and it was creating mass tension among the two sides. He rejects the Compromise of 1850, saying that the Constitution gives southerners the right to own slaves. He thought that the only way for peace was a compromise in which the North would surrender land to the South in order to achieve equality and give the South more representation in the Federal Government. Calhoun knew the potentially disastrous scenarios that could come about as a result of internal issue, and was doing everything he could to help.
- Polk begins this war message by explaining the rationale for going to war with Mexico. He explains that he sent John Siddle, an American, to Mexico to try and diplomatically resolve the ongoing border disputes hostile actions being taken on American citizens that were plaguing the southern United States. However, the Mexican government refused to speak with Siddle, doing nothing to solve the issues. Polk also speaks of the violence displayed towards Americans by the Mexicans as a result of these border disputes. In the end, Polk determined that the actions of the Mexicans were enough justification to declare war and settle the issues once and for all.
- The Seneca Falls Declaration is similar to the Declaration of Independence in that it begins by stating the basic rights for people. This time, however, the words are targeted specifically at women. It even uses exact words from the original Declaration, twisting them to apply directly to women. From there, the grievances of women are listed, such as the inability for women to vote, unequal education and career opportunities, unequal wages, and many others. Following this, resolutions to these grievances are stated, and the notion that women should indeed have equal rights with men is reaffirmed.
