Few phrases in American history capture the tragic inevitability of the Civil War like this one from Abraham Lincoln. Delivered during his Second Inaugural Address, the line is a masterful summary of a nation torn apart. It explains how a devastating conflict could arise when, supposedly, no one wanted it. Understanding these words requires a look back at the fractured state of the Union in the years leading up to the war.
A Nation Divided
By the 1860s, the United States was two distinct societies living under one flag. The North was rapidly industrializing. Its economy relied on manufacturing and free labor. In contrast, the South remained a largely agrarian society. Its economy and way of life depended heavily on the institution of slavery. These economic and social differences created deep political rifts.
For decades, politicians tried to patch over the divisions. They created compromises like the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. These efforts aimed to balance the number of free and slave states. However, they were temporary fixes. They did not address the fundamental moral and political questions of slavery. Tensions continued to escalate with events like the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision. By the time Lincoln was elected in 1860, the breaking point was near.
The Second Inaugural Address: A Plea for Peace
Lincoln delivered his Second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865. The Civil War was finally nearing its end. The Union’s victory was almost certain. Many in the North expected a triumphant, boastful speech. Instead, Lincoln offered a short, somber reflection. His speech was not about victory but about reconciliation. He sought to explain the war’s deeper meaning and lay the groundwork for a lasting peace.
At just over 700 words, Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address is one of the most famous and powerful speeches in American history. The address is known for its tone of humility and its call for unity. Lincoln aimed to bring the nation back together, famously ending with a call for “malice toward none, with charity for all.” The famous quote about the war’s origin appears in the middle of this profound speech.
Deconstructing “Both Parties Deprecated War”
Let’s break down the quote piece by piece. Lincoln begins, “Both parties deprecated war.” This acknowledges that neither the North nor the South actively desired a bloody, prolonged conflict. Leaders on both sides had hoped to achieve their goals without resorting to a full-scale war. The South hoped for a peaceful secession. The North hoped to preserve the Union without bloodshed. This opening line establishes a shared, tragic ground before assigning responsibility.
However, the next lines draw a sharp distinction. Lincoln continues, “…but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive…” This clearly refers to the Confederacy. The southern states chose to secede from the Union to protect the institution of slavery. Their goal was the creation of a new, independent nation. This act of separation was, in itself, an act to destroy the existing nation. When they fired on Fort Sumter in April 1861, they initiated armed conflict to achieve that goal. They chose war over national unity.
Accepting War to Save a Nation
Lincoln then describes the Union’s position: “…and the other would accept war rather than let it perish…” This describes the North’s stance. Lincoln’s primary objective upon taking office was the preservation of the United States. He viewed secession as illegal and unacceptable. While he did not want war, he was not willing to allow the country to dissolve. The Union would not start a war, but it would fight to defend itself and its existence. It would accept the war that was forced upon it to prevent the nation from perishing.
Finally, Lincoln concludes with four simple words: “…and the war came.” This phrase conveys a sense of grim inevitability. It suggests that despite the wishes of both sides, the fundamental conflict was irreconcilable. The deep-seated divisions, primarily over slavery, had festered for too long. The path to war was set by choices made over decades. The conflict was not an accident but the unavoidable result of one side’s determination to break the country and the other’s resolve to save it.
The Enduring Legacy of Lincoln’s Words
Lincoln’s quote is a powerful piece of rhetoric and a sharp historical analysis. It avoids simple blame while clearly assigning the cause of the war to the act of secession. It captures the complex tragedy of a nation fighting itself. The words remind us that major conflicts are often the result of deeply held, opposing principles that can no longer be compromised.
Today, the quote serves as a timeless lesson on the dangers of profound national division. It highlights the difference between those willing to destroy a system for their cause and those willing to fight to preserve it. Lincoln’s profound insight continues to resonate, offering a sobering perspective on the immense cost of civil conflict and the difficult path toward reconciliation.