Question

What is the purpose of this passage from President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address?

Answer 1

One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease."

Answer 2

to explain where slavery existed

to explain why the cause of conflict was resolved before the war ended

to explain how slavery was restricted

to explain the causes of the war and its longevity

Answer 3

The answer should be the fourth answer, "to explain the causes of the war and its longevity." Lincoln was riding in during this war, and many families had been torn apart as a result of it. Lincoln wanted to remind the country why this war was being fought

People would have known where slavery was. Few Union states (generally northern), due to geography and economic factors, still had slavery (the exceptions being, of course, the border states).

The Gettysburg Address had been delivered, ending slavery in all areas in rebellion against the Union. However, the speech does not make mention of this.

The passage does not really explain how slavery was restricted. This would tie in with the previous 2 wrong answers.