How Abraham Lincoln's 1838 Address Foretold America's 2025 Challenges

Abraham Lincoln - 1846
by Nicholas Shepherd
(Courtesy of Wikimedia)

One hundred and eighty-seven years ago, on a cold January evening in a small Illinois town, a man gave a speech about the way democracy will die in America.

Abraham Lincoln delivered his Lyceum Address on January 27, 1838, in Springfield, to the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield. This speech marked one of Lincoln's early forays into public discourse on national issues.

In this address, Lincoln expressed his concerns about the dangers facing American democracy, particularly the increasing disregard for the rule of law and the rise of mob violence. These dangers, he argued, are part of a broader erosion of respect for laws and institutions could lead to the downfall of the American republic.

6 Key Points from Lincoln's Lyceum Address

Disregard for Law:

 

• Lincoln warned that a growing trend of disrespect for laws and legal institutions poses a serious threat to the nation's stability. He believed that if citizens did not uphold the law and respect the legal institutions, it could lead to chaos and the eventual destruction of both the social order and the government. 

The Threat of a Growing "Mobocratic Spirit":

 

• Lincoln coined the term "mobocratic spirit" to describe the growing tendency of people to resort to mob violence and lawlessness as a means of addressing grievances. He warned that such acts and this attitude weaken the rule of law, threaten civil order, and undermine the very foundations of democracy.

The Importance of Adherence to Laws:

• Lincoln emphasized that adherence to laws and respect for legal institutions were essential for the preservation of the republic. He believed that laws should be revered as the "political religion" of the nation.

Role of Citizens:

• Lincoln called on citizens to turn from those with a 'mobocratic spirit' and cultivate a reverence for the Constitution and the laws of the land. He believed that a collective commitment to these principles was necessary to protect the nation's political institutions from internal decay.

Moral Responsibility:

• He emphasized the moral responsibility of individuals to act in ways that support and strengthen the political system. Lincoln believed that the character and actions of citizens played a crucial role in the perpetuation of democratic institutions.

Perpetuation of Political Institutions:

• By "perpetuation of our political institutions," Lincoln meant ensuring the continued existence and stability of the democratic system and the rule of law in the United States. He urged his fellow citizens to uphold the principles of democracy and work together to strengthen the fabric of American society.

Lincoln's Vision for the Future

Lincoln's Lyceum Address reflects his deep belief in the importance of the rule of law and the duty and responsibility of his fellow citizens to preserve the democratic principles and institutions that the nation was founded upon.

His message remains relevant today, as it underscores the importance of civic engagement and the rule of law in maintaining a stable and just society.

Yes, on that cold, winter evening in 1838 at a gathering of the Young Men’s Lyceum in Springfield, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln showcased his eloquence and his foresight. 

He called this speech, "The Perpetuation of Our Democratic Institutions".

The question is: "Will we do it?"

Food for thought from Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[1] Basler, R.P. (Ed.). (1953). “Address Before the Young Men’s Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois – January 27, 1838.” Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln - Volume I. pp. 109-116.