Those should have been Lincoln's lines. Watching the impassioned congressmen in the chamber and hearing the cries of "Fight for the United States" grow louder and louder, Lincoln could not help falling into deep thought.
But he did not remain downcast for long. Lincoln had a gift for speeches, and he stepped onto the platform as well.
"Our boys are right! Two hundred years ago, our forefathers came to this land in search of freedom. Eighty years ago, they chose independence for freedom's sake. They were the ones who founded this great nation, where all men are born equal.
"What they built was not an empire made up of monarchs and bureaucrats, but a nation of free men.
"It was their struggle and sacrifice that gave us the present we have today.
"And yet, that ancient empire which once sought to oppress and enslave us has now extended its demonic claws toward us once more.
"They do not merely want our land—they want to strangle the very idea of freedom. The British fear our freedom. They fear that the people can choose their own path!"
At that moment, someone shouted from below.
"That's right! Just like the rotten institution of slavery, I propose that slavery be abolished at once, so that we may all unite beneath freedom's banner!"
Lincoln's supporters immediately shouted.
"Support! This should have been done long ago!"
"Agreed! Praise God! Praise America!"
"Well said! Long live freedom!"
But the Southern faction present all wore grim expressions.
That was right—it was no longer as simple as looking displeased. In the eyes of the Southern interest groups, the actions of Lincoln's supporters were nothing short of taking advantage of a fire to loot and plunder, trying to use the pressure brought by Britain to force them into submission.
Though