In his House Divided Speech, Abraham Lincoln declared that the nation could not continue to exist half-slave and half-free. He argued that slavery would become increasingly widespread if it was allowed to spread unchecked across the country, contradicting those who believed that slavery might eventually be abolished through peaceful means. In addition, Lincoln noted that while both the North and South held different beliefs on the issue of slavery, he maintained that both sides should view each other with respect and understanding. The speech concluded by asserting that “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Lincoln 1858).