In Lincoln’s first inaugural address he states the following: "In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war…You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors…I shall have the most solemn [oath] to 'preserve, protect, and defend [the Union]'."

What is his message to the secessionists? Select the two correct responses.

A. Lincoln will take full responsibility for the start of a Civil War.
B. Lincoln places blame on the secessionists if the country goes to war.**
C. Lincoln believes history will judge his decision to start the Civil War as the correct option.
D. Lincoln believes the only possible resolution is to engage in war.
E. Lincoln will do his best to find a peaceful resolution.**