Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address promised a vast national future only a month before his assassination and the end of the American Civil War. The following is a transcription of his original draft of his remarks--the edits reflect the changes made by Secretary of State William Seward. After the brief but remarkable speech, scroll down to learn more about what Lincoln's vision meant for the war, for the republic, and for emancipation.
was a civil rights activist and one of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. He is best remembered for staging nonviolent protests against racial discrimination in America .
