Gettysburg Address

Definition

The Gettysburg Address is a brief but powerful speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It emphasizes themes of equality, national unity, and the sacrifices made during the Civil War, aiming to inspire the nation to continue fighting for the ideals of democracy and freedom.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gettysburg Address was delivered at the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, where thousands of soldiers lost their lives.
2. Lincoln's speech is famously known for its opening line, 'Four score and seven years ago,' referencing the founding principles of the United States and emphasizing historical continuity.
3. The address was initially met with mixed reactions; some considered it too short and lacking depth, while others praised its emotional power and clarity.
4. The speech calls for a 'new birth of freedom,' linking the sacrifices made during the Civil War to a renewed commitment to equality and democracy.
5. The Gettysburg Address has since become one of the most quoted speeches in American history and is often referenced in discussions about civil rights and national identity.

Review Questions

• How does the Gettysburg Address reflect the key themes of equality and national unity?
  • In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln invokes themes of equality by referencing the Declaration of Independence and emphasizing that all men are created equal. He stresses that the Civil War is a test of whether a nation conceived in liberty can endure, calling for unity among Americans to honor those who died fighting for that cause. By linking sacrifice on the battlefield to the struggle for democracy, Lincoln aims to inspire a collective commitment to preserve the nation.
• Analyze the historical significance of the Gettysburg Address within the context of the Civil War.
  • The Gettysburg Address is historically significant because it redefined the purpose of the Civil War, framing it as a struggle not just for territorial integrity but also for human equality. Delivered at a critical moment when many were questioning whether sacrifices were worth it, Lincoln's words galvanized public sentiment and reinforced a sense of shared national identity. His speech has since served as a moral compass in American history, often invoked during later civil rights movements.
• Evaluate how Lincoln’s rhetoric in the Gettysburg Address has influenced contemporary views on democracy and civil rights in America.
  • Lincoln's rhetoric in the Gettysburg Address has had a lasting impact on contemporary views regarding democracy and civil rights by framing these ideals as foundational to American identity. His call for a 'new birth of freedom' resonates with ongoing struggles for equality, making his speech a cornerstone reference in civil rights discussions. By positioning democracy as an active pursuit rather than a static achievement, Lincoln's address continues to inspire movements advocating for justice and equality across different contexts in American society.

Related terms

Civil War: A conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy) over issues such as slavery and states' rights.

Emancipation Proclamation: An executive order issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, which declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory.

Union: The term used to refer to the Northern states during the Civil War, which were committed to preserving the United States as a single nation.