Abraham Lincoln’s speech for the special session of Congress, July 4, 1861
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook
Description: President Lincoln had to address a special session of Congress in order to secure financing for the Civil War. This document is the speech he delivered. Lincoln discusses the difference between rebellion and succession as well as describing, with bias, the Confederate rationale that the Constitution protected their succession.
Teaching Tips:
"Do Now" Suggestions
- Discuss why President Lincoln needed to secure funding from Congress.
- Lincoln mentions states rights a few times in this document, but does not mention slavery. Discuss with students why he would not have mentioned slavery.
- Read this speech and discuss why the Southern and Northern perspectives on succession and the causes of the Civil War differ.
- Have students debate the legality of succession based on primary sources. Use this document as evidence of the illegality of succession.
- Have students, in groups or individually, outline Lincoln’s main arguments.