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Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Definition

The Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a historic site where thousands of Union soldiers who died during the Battle of Gettysburg were buried. It's also the location where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address.

Analogy

Think of this cemetery as a history book. Just like how each page in a book tells part of a story, each grave at this cemetery represents an individual soldier's sacrifice and contribution to the Civil War. And just like how some books have prefaces that provide context for the story, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address at this cemetery provided context for why these sacrifices were made - to preserve the Union and end slavery.

Related terms

Battle of Gettysburg: This was one of the most significant battles during the American Civil War fought in 1863 which resulted in a decisive victory for the Union and marked a turning point in the war.

Gettysburg Address: A speech given by President Abraham Lincoln at Soldiers' National Cemetery where he redefined the purpose of the war as not just preserving union but also bringing equality.

Civil War: A major conflict fought from 1861-1865 between Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) over issues including states' rights, westward expansion, and slavery.