Middle School Resource

President Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address (1865)

In this Teacher Resource, Marvin Kranz, historical specialist in the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress, reviews nine inaugurations from George Washington’s in 1789 to Theodore Roosevelt’s in 1905. The ceremonial traditions associated with presidential inaugurations-using a Bible when taking the oath of office, reading an inaugural address, attending an inaugural ball-were all established by George Washington at his first inauguration and have been followed until the present day.

Related NY State Academic Standards: RI.11-12.8, RI.11-12.9, RH.9-10.3, and more!

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