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. This speech emphasized the principles of human equality and the importance of preserving the Union, connecting the Civil War to the broader struggle for freedom and democracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln's address was only about two minutes long, yet it is considered one of the most eloquent speeches in American history.
2. The speech was given at a time when the nation was deeply divided, emphasizing the need for national unity and reconciliation.
3. Lincoln's words 'government of the people, by the people, for the people' underscored his belief in democracy and the importance of preserving the Union.
4. The Gettysburg Address reframed the Civil War as not just a struggle for Union but also as a fight for human equality and a new birth of freedom.
5. The address helped to elevate the significance of the war effort, transforming it into a moral crusade against slavery and for human rights.

Review Questions

• How does Lincoln's Gettysburg Address reflect his views on democracy and national unity?
  • In his Gettysburg Address, Lincoln articulates a vision of democracy rooted in equality and collective governance. He emphasizes that the Civil War tests whether a government 'of the people, by the people, for the people' can endure. By framing the conflict as a fight to uphold these democratic ideals, he appeals for national unity in a time of division and underscores the necessity of preserving the Union.
• Discuss how the Gettysburg Address connects to the larger themes of equality and freedom during the Civil War.
  • The Gettysburg Address serves as a pivotal moment in linking the Civil War to broader themes of equality and freedom. Lincoln redefines the war as not only a battle for preserving the Union but also as a crucial step toward achieving true equality for all individuals. By invoking these themes, he encourages Americans to view their sacrifices as part of a greater struggle for human rights and a more inclusive democracy.
• Evaluate the impact of the Gettysburg Address on American society's understanding of its identity post-Civil War.
  • The Gettysburg Address profoundly influenced American society's self-perception after the Civil War by redefining national identity around principles of liberty and equality. Lincoln’s words framed the conflict as a moral imperative, pushing society to reckon with issues of race and citizenship. As Americans reflected on their identity in light of this speech, it catalyzed movements toward civil rights and shaped future discussions about what it meant to be an American, furthering commitments to equality that would echo throughout history.

Related terms

Abraham Lincoln:

The 16th President of the United States, who led the nation during the Civil War and delivered the Gettysburg Address, reinforcing his commitment to unity and equality.

Civil War:

A conflict fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy), primarily over issues of slavery and states' rights.

Emancipation Proclamation:

An executive order issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, that declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory.