The supreme trial of the Constitution came at last under the tremendous pressure of civil war. We ourselves are witnesses that the Union emerged from the blood and fire of that conflict purified and made stronger for all the beneficent purposes of good government.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Garfield states the Civil War tested the Constitution but strengthened the Union for good government.
- In plain terms
- The war saved the Union and made it stronger.
- What can you take from it?
- Crisis can purify and strengthen institutions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does conflict strengthen society?
- What does a nation owe its citizens?
Another view
It glosses over the immense human cost required for that strengthening.
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