Civil war Quote by Rutherford B. Hayes
“Disunion and civil war are at hand; and yet I fear disunion and war less than compromise. We can recover from them. The free States alone, if we must go on alone, will make a glorious nation.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Inaugural Address, Rutherford B. Hayes, 1877
The speaker warns that internal conflict is dangerous, but believes compromise is an even greater threat, trusting that a solitary free state can still achieve greatness.
In simple terms: War is feared less than compromise; a lone free state can still succeed.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize unity over harmful compromise.
Themes
politics
unity
nation-building
Mood
determined
optimistic
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- election aftermath
- legislative negotiations
- state secession debates
Key Concepts
federalism
political risk
national identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What compromises could preserve unity?
- How can a single state lead without allies?
A Different Perspective
Compromise may be necessary to avoid greater conflict.
![“My father and mother in 1817 were forty-nine days on the road with their emigrant wagons [from Vermont] to Ohio. More than two days for each hour that I spent in the same journey.” quote by Rutherford B. Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/290/rutherford-b-hayes-3486_father_my-father-and-mother-in-1817-were-forty_289081.jpg)
