Certain phrases echo through history. They capture the essence of a moment and the character of a leader. Abraham Lincoln’s powerful declaration, “Let us have faith that right makes might,” is one such phrase. These words were not just a memorable line. They were the calculated conclusion to a speech that defined his political future. This declaration served as a moral compass for a nation on the brink of collapse. To understand its power, we must explore the context of its delivery.
A Nation on the Brink: The United States in 1860
The year 1860 was a time of immense turmoil in America. The country was deeply divided over the issue of slavery. Southern states defended the institution as essential to their economy and way of life. In contrast, a growing abolitionist movement in the North demanded its end. The central political battle raged over whether slavery should expand into new western territories. This question fueled intense and often violent debate.
Politicians offered competing solutions. Senator Stephen A. Douglas championed “popular sovereignty.” He argued that settlers in each new territory should vote to decide the issue for themselves. This position attempted to find a middle ground. However, it satisfied almost no one. Pro-slavery factions wanted federal protection for slavery everywhere. Anti-slavery groups, like the new Republican Party, wanted to halt its expansion entirely. The nation’s future felt uncertain. The political atmosphere was a powder keg waiting for a spark.
The Cooper Union Address: A Star is Born
Into this tense environment stepped Abraham Lincoln. In early 1860, he was a respected Illinois lawyer but not a national figure. He received an invitation to speak in New York City at the Cooper Union. This was a significant opportunity. A strong performance in the nation’s media capital could elevate his standing within the Republican Party. A poor one could end his presidential aspirations before they began. Lincoln knew the stakes were incredibly high.
On February 27, 1860, Lincoln took the stage in front of 1,500 influential New Yorkers The date and attendance of Abraham Lincoln’s Cooper Union Address in New York City. He was an unconventional figure. His western accent and ill-fitting suit stood out to the sophisticated eastern audience. Yet, when he began to speak, his intellect and conviction captivated everyone in the room. He did not deliver a fiery, emotional sermon. Instead, he presented a calm, logical, and deeply researched argument.
A Masterclass in Persuasion
Lincoln structured his speech with meticulous care. The first part was a detailed historical analysis. He directly addressed Senator Douglas’s claim that the Founding Fathers supported popular sovereignty. Lincoln had spent months researching the 39 signers of the Constitution. He demonstrated that a majority of them had voted for federal control over slavery in new territories. This masterfully dismantled his opponent’s central argument using historical fact, not just rhetoric.
He then turned his attention to the Southern states. He spoke to them directly, calmly refuting their accusations against the Republican Party. He assured them that Republicans had no intention of interfering with slavery where it already existed. However, he stood firm on preventing its expansion. He framed this stance not as an act of aggression but as a moral necessity. He argued it was a return to the original principles of the nation’s founders. This approach portrayed Republicans as reasonable and principled, not as radical fanatics.
The Powerful Conclusion: ‘Right Makes Might’
Lincoln saved his most powerful words for the end. He spoke to his fellow Republicans and all who opposed slavery’s spread. He acknowledged their frustrations and the temptation to compromise their values. Then, he delivered the immortal lines: “Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.”
This conclusion was a brilliant reversal of the common proverb, “might makes right.” That cynical phrase suggests that power is its own justification. Lincoln flipped this idea on its head. He argued that moral correctness—the “right”—is the true source of strength. It was a call to action based on conviction, not coercion. He urged his audience to hold firm to their beliefs with courage and determination. He inspired them to act on their duty, not for political gain, but because it was morally just.
The Speech’s Enduring Legacy
The impact of the Cooper Union Address was immediate and profound. The audience gave him a thunderous ovation. Influential newspapers printed the speech in its entirety, spreading his words across the North. Horace Greeley’s New-York Tribune hailed it as one of the most logical and powerful political arguments ever made. Lincoln was no longer just a prairie lawyer. He was now a serious contender for the presidency.
Many historians believe this single speech was the key to his nomination. He presented himself as a thoughtful, principled, and electable candidate who could unite the Republican Party. The quote itself has become a cornerstone of American political thought. It continues to inspire those who believe in fighting for justice against powerful opposition. It reminds us that true strength comes from moral conviction and the courage to do our duty.