Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address Quiz

What is the main purpose of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address?

• To declare war on the South

• To celebrate the end of the Civil War

• To reflect on the causes and meaning of the Civil War

• To announce a new economic policy

Answer explanation

Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address primarily reflects on the causes and meaning of the Civil War, emphasizing themes of unity, reconciliation, and the moral implications of the conflict, rather than declaring war or celebrating its end.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

According to Lincoln, what was the cause of the Civil War?

• Economic differences

• Territorial expansion

• Slavery

• Political disagreements

Answer explanation

Lincoln identified slavery as the primary cause of the Civil War, emphasizing that the conflict arose from the moral and political struggle over the institution of slavery, which divided the nation.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What fraction of the population were slaves according to Lincoln's address?

• One fourth

• One third

• One eighth

• One half

Answer explanation

According to Lincoln's address, one eighth of the population were slaves. This fraction highlights the significant yet minority status of enslaved individuals in the overall population during that time.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Lincoln suggest about the prayers of both sides in the conflict?

• They were both answered

• Neither was answered fully

• Only the North's prayers were answered

• Only the South's prayers were answered

Answer explanation

Lincoln suggests that the prayers of both sides were not fully answered, indicating that neither the North nor the South received complete fulfillment of their requests during the conflict.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Lincoln hope for the future in his address?

• Continued conflict

• A new government

• Peace and unity

• Economic prosperity

Answer explanation

In his address, Lincoln expresses a hope for peace and unity among the nation, emphasizing the need to heal divisions and work together, rather than continuing conflict or seeking a new government.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Lincoln mean by "with malice toward none, with charity for all"?

• To seek revenge

• To forgive and heal

• To ignore the past

• To focus on economic growth

Answer explanation

Lincoln's phrase "with malice toward none, with charity for all" emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and healing after conflict, advocating for compassion rather than revenge or ignoring the past.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Lincoln say about the judgments of the Lord?

• They are unpredictable

• They are true and righteous

• They are harsh and unforgiving

• They are irrelevant to the war

Answer explanation

Lincoln asserts that the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous, emphasizing their moral authority and correctness, especially in the context of the war.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Lincoln suggest about the duration of the war?

• It was expected to be short

• It was expected to be long

• It was expected to end in a stalemate

• It was expected to be easy

Answer explanation

Lincoln suggested that the war would be short, reflecting the common belief at the time that it would be resolved quickly. This expectation influenced the initial strategies and morale of both sides.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What does Lincoln say about the role of God in the war?

• God favored the North

• God favored the South

• God had His own purposes

• God was indifferent

Answer explanation

Lincoln suggests that God had His own purposes in the war, indicating that divine will transcends human understanding and is not necessarily aligned with either side's cause.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does Lincoln hope will happen to the nation's wounds?

• They will be ignored

• They will be healed

• They will be avenged

• They will be forgotten

Answer explanation

Lincoln hopes the nation's wounds will be healed, reflecting his desire for reconciliation and unity after the Civil War, rather than seeking revenge or allowing the pain to be ignored or forgotten.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3