key term - A house divided against itself cannot stand

Definition

This phrase, popularized by Abraham Lincoln, means that a group or entity that is internally conflicted will ultimately fail. In the context of rising tensions over slavery in the United States, it emphasizes the deep divisions between North and South, foreshadowing the impending conflict leading to secession. The phrase captures the essence of political and social strife during this period, highlighting the challenges of maintaining unity in a nation facing profound ideological divides.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln delivered his famous 'house divided' speech in 1858 during his campaign for the U.S. Senate against Stephen A. Douglas, emphasizing that unity was essential for survival.
2. The phrase illustrated Lincoln's belief that the nation could not endure permanently half slave and half free; it had to become all one or all the other.
3. The Election of 1860 was a crucial moment where sectional divisions became apparent, leading to Lincoln's victory and intensifying calls for secession among Southern states.
4. After Lincoln's election, several Southern states began seceding from the Union, believing their way of life, particularly slavery, was under threat.
5. This phrase became a rallying cry for both sides during the Civil War, highlighting the moral and political stakes of a divided nation.

Review Questions

• How did Lincoln's 'house divided' speech reflect the political climate leading up to the Civil War?
  • Lincoln's 'house divided' speech directly addressed the contentious issue of slavery and highlighted the impossibility of a united nation with such deep-seated divisions. The speech underscored his view that the nation could not survive in its current state—split between free and slave states—without facing a significant conflict. This clarity resonated with many Americans who were increasingly aware of the growing sectional tensions and set the stage for Lincoln's leadership during a tumultuous period.
• In what ways did the Election of 1860 exemplify the divisions within the United States and lead to secession?
  • The Election of 1860 highlighted stark divisions as it featured multiple candidates representing various regional interests, including those advocating for slavery and those opposing its expansion. Lincoln's victory without carrying any Southern states demonstrated that many in the South felt alienated and threatened by Northern dominance. As a result, Southern states felt justified in their decisions to secede from the Union, believing their rights and way of life were under attack.
• Evaluate how Lincoln's assertion that 'a house divided against itself cannot stand' serves as a framework for understanding the broader implications of the Civil War.
  • Lincoln's assertion encapsulates a fundamental truth about governance and unity that resonates throughout history. It emphasizes that internal conflict can lead to collapse if not addressed effectively. By applying this framework to the Civil War, one can understand how unresolved issues like slavery created irreconcilable differences between North and South, ultimately leading to war. This perspective invites deeper reflection on contemporary political challenges, illustrating how division can threaten collective identity and stability.

Related terms

Secession:

The act of formally withdrawing from an organization, union, or political entity, often seen during the Civil War when Southern states left the Union.

Republican Party:

A political party founded in the 1850s primarily to oppose the expansion of slavery into new territories and states, playing a key role in the election of 1860.

Dred Scott Decision: An 1857 Supreme Court ruling that denied citizenship to African American slaves and declared that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories, exacerbating sectional tensions.