1. Inaugural Address (March 4, 1861):
- In his inaugural address, Lincoln emphasized the importance of preserving the Union. He asserted that secession was illegal and that he would uphold the Constitution and enforce federal laws in all states.
- However, he also expressed his willingness to conciliate with the South, stating that he would not be the first to use force.
2. Response to Fort Sumter (April 12-14, 1861):
- When Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina, Lincoln faced a crucial decision.
- He responded by issuing a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion. This marked the official beginning of the Civil War.
3. Border State Strategy:
- Lincoln recognized the importance of keeping the border states (such as Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri) within the Union.
- He adopted a cautious approach, avoiding provocative actions that might push these states into seceding.
4. Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863):
- As the war continued, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states.
- While this measure did not immediately free all slaves, it demonstrated Lincoln's commitment to ending slavery and provided a moral justification for the war effort.
5. Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863):
- In his famous Gettysburg Address, Lincoln reaffirmed the principles of liberty, equality, and democracy that underpinned the Union cause.
- He emphasized the enduring significance of the war in shaping the nation's future.
6. Reconstruction Planning:
- Lincoln began planning for Reconstruction during the Civil War.
- He sought to balance the need to punish the Confederacy with the desire for reconciliation and a swift restoration of the Union.
Overall, Lincoln's response to the lower South's secession can be characterized by his commitment to preserving the Union, his cautious approach to military conflict, and his gradual moves toward emancipation and Reconstruction.