Question

in his inaugural address, lincoln refused to compromise on which of the following issues?

slavery in southern states
slavery in western states
secession of southern states
war against the south

Explanation:

Analyze Lincoln's stance on slavery

Using the Lincoln First Inaugural knowledge point, Abraham Lincoln explicitly stated in his address that he had no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the states where it already existed. He believed he had no lawful right to do so, and he had no inclination to do so. Therefore, he was willing to compromise on slavery in the Southern states.

Analyze Lincoln's stance on territorial expansion of slavery

Lincoln and the Republican Party stood firm against the expansion of slavery into new Western territories. However, the primary constitutional crisis of his inauguration was not the future status of Western territories, but the immediate dissolution of the nation itself.

Analyze Lincoln's stance on secession

Using the Secession Legality and Preservation of the Union knowledge points:

$$ \text{Union} = \text{Perpetual} \implies \text{Secession} = \text{Legally Void} $$

Lincoln argued that the Union was perpetual and that the secession of Southern states was legally void. He refused to recognize the Confederacy as a legitimate nation and declared that he would use federal power to "hold, occupy, and possess" federal property, making the secession of Southern states a non-negotiable issue.

Analyze Lincoln's stance on initiating war

Lincoln did not want to initiate war. He told the South, "In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you." He did not refuse to compromise on war; rather, he sought to avoid it unless the South forced the issue by attacking federal property.

Answer:

• (A) slavery in Southern states
• (B) slavery in Western states
• (C) secession of Southern states (Correct answer)
• (D) war against the South