Question

When President Lincoln made this speech, which

step toward civil war had already taken place?
(1) The Emancipation Proclamation had been
issued.
(2) Union troops had invaded several Southern
states.
(3) General Robert E. Lee had led an attack on
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
(4) Several Southern states had seceded from the
Union.

Answer 1

Assuming that this is referring to the same speech that was posted before with this question, the answer would be "(4) Several Southern states had seceded from the Union."