Question

why did lincoln try to reassure slaveholding states in his first inaugural address?
he wanted to keep the country together.
he wanted to win the election of 1860.
he wanted to support the expansion of slavery.

Explanation:

Lincoln's first inaugural address aimed to prevent the secession of Southern states. He wanted to keep the country united, so reassuring slaveholding states was to avoid further division. The option about winning the 1860 election is incorrect as the election was already won. Supporting slavery expansion goes against his stance. So the correct reason is to keep the country together.

Answer:

A. He wanted to keep the country together.