Explain why Lincoln’s assassination put the future of the nation in question.
(4 points)
1. Leadership Vacuum: Lincoln's assassination created a sudden and unexpected void in leadership at a critical point in history. Without Lincoln's steady guidance and vision, there were concerns about who would step in to lead the nation during the tumultuous period of Reconstruction.
2. Uncertainty about Policy Direction: Lincoln's assassination raised questions about the future direction of the nation's policies, particularly regarding the treatment of the defeated Confederacy and the status of newly freed slaves. Without Lincoln's moderating influence, there were fears that more radical elements within the government would push for harsher measures or revenge against the South.
3. Potential for Civil Unrest: The assassination of a sitting president by a southerner fueled tensions and suspicions between the North and the South. There were concerns that this act of violence could escalate into further violence and possibly spark a new wave of civil unrest or even a second civil war.
4. Loss of Stability and Unity: Lincoln was seen as a unifying figure who had helped to heal the divisions between the North and the South. His assassination shattered the sense of stability and unity that his leadership had brought, leading many to question whether the nation could continue to move forward as one united country.