Short Answer 
Both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln emphasize that slavery is a major root cause of America’s societal problems, highlighting the hypocrisy of claiming freedom while denying it to enslaved individuals. Lincoln’s address calls attention to the divisive nature of slavery, urging for national unity, while Douglass critiques the moral implications of celebrating freedom that excludes Black Americans, exposing the deep dissonance in American identity.
Step 1: Recognizing the Root Cause of America’s Problems
Both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln highlight that slavery is a significant contributor to America’s societal issues. They point out the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom while enslaved individuals are denied their rights. Understanding this contradiction is key to addressing the broader implications of slavery in American history.
Step 2: Analyzing Lincoln’s Perspective
In his Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln identifies the divisive nature of slavery by stating, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” This metaphor emphasizes that the conflict between slave states and free states is at the heart of America’s troubles. By acknowledging this division, Lincoln sheds light on the urgent need for national unity in the face of such a fundamental conflict.
Step 3: Reflecting on Douglass’s Critique
Frederick Douglass’s speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July,” expresses the moral and emotional toll of slavery. He poignantly questions the legitimacy of a celebration that excludes Black Americans, asking, “Is this the land your Fathers loved?” This powerful rhetoric underscores the painful dissonance felt by enslaved individuals and critiques the falsehood of freedom celebrated by a nation that permits injustice.