Lincoln, Lincoln, whatcha' thinkin'

"His tenure in office was occupied primarily with the defeat of the secessionist Confederate States of America in the American Civil War."
From, Wikipedia.

For a man whose presidency is best remember for the war that was fought during it, Lincoln's Second Inaugural address seems out of place. Mostly because ignores the obvious points of interest and instead brings up seemingly unrated topics, and untrue statements.

The point that Lincoln repeats himself on is how the war is not just one sides fault, owning it up to both sides sins over allowing slavery to continue for so long. The odd nature of this speech comes through when Lincoln says that neither side wanted the war or expected it, both of which are lies.

After Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin opinions escalated along with violence and tension. Also missing is the rhetoric present in his first address and any "I told you so" comments.

The biggest part of this speech is how tired Lincoln sounds (because he was, since after all he was president during the Civil War). His tone is somber and he is ready to have the war be over. Most striking is how out of character this is for Lincoln. The speech does not follow what we know Lincoln to believe, or what the public must have wanted to hear. So what was the purpose of having this speech this way? Simple, look at the keys they are shiny and we shouldn't have done this war. Oh hey a cool looking bird! Look at the time, I've talked too long, see you all later- thanks for all the shoes.

Basically Lincoln had to give a speech and he did, but it was mostly emotional and probably from the Lincoln in the moment and not from the Lincoln in the past (or history books).