Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 speech on the repeal of the Missouri Compromise signaled his return to public life and politics, after a few years of private law practice. In the speech he outlined not only his views on Congress’ action, but also the growing sectional divide, slavery, and the future of America.

Focus Document

• Speech on the Repeal of the Missouri Compromise, Abraham Lincoln, 1854

Complementary Documents

• House Divided Speech, Abraham Lincoln, 1858
• Address at Cooper Institute, Abraham Lincoln, 1860

Scholars

• Dr. John Moser, Ashland University
• Dr. Lucas Morel, Washington and Lee University
• Dr. Dan Monroe, Millikin University