Lincoln vs. Davis - Battle of the Speeches Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis’ ideas on secession and the Union had many differences, and these differences were not small. Their relationship and differing ideas were polar opposites, and caused a major issue between Lincoln and Davis. Lincoln believed secession from the Union may only happen when all parties/states agree upon it, and if secession occurred by one state’s beliefs alone, it was an act of anarchy. Lincoln stated,“Plainly the essence of secession is anarchy.” Davis, on the other hand, believed the Bill of Rights granted individual states the right to secede from the Union. Davis stated “...States subsequently admitted into the Union of 1789, undeniably recognize in the people the power to resume the authority delegated for the purposes of government.” While Lincoln’s views on Union may have stayed the same Lincoln’s view towards slavery did change, as he once did not care whether it stayed or not, proclaiming it is against the proposition of equality. …show more content…
I believe I have no lawful right to do so...” He then goes on to state in his Gettysburg address “... that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.” and “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” Showing that he sees the wrong in slavery and changes his views towards it. Lincoln planned to treat the South fairly and with respect with his plan of