Gettysburg Address

Definition

The Gettysburg Address is a famous speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This brief yet powerful address emphasized the principles of human equality and the importance of preserving the Union amidst the Civil War, connecting the sacrifices made at Gettysburg to a broader vision of national purpose.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gettysburg Address consists of just 272 words, making it one of the most concise yet impactful speeches in American history.
2. Lincoln's address redefined the purpose of the Civil War, framing it as a struggle not just for the Union but for a new birth of freedom that would ensure equality for all citizens.
3. The speech was delivered at a time when the nation was deeply divided, and Lincoln aimed to inspire unity and resolve among the American people.
4. Lincoln's invocation of the phrase 'government of the people, by the people, for the people' has become iconic, highlighting democratic ideals central to American identity.
5. The Gettysburg Address is often cited as one of the greatest speeches in American history and has been referenced in countless discussions about civil rights and democracy.

Review Questions

• How did Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address redefine the purpose of the Civil War?
  • In his Gettysburg Address, Lincoln redefined the Civil War as not just a battle for preserving the Union but as a fight for a new birth of freedom that would bring true equality to all citizens. He emphasized that the sacrifices made by soldiers at Gettysburg were pivotal in ensuring that government would be accountable to its people. By framing the war in terms of human equality, he inspired a renewed commitment to democratic ideals.
• Analyze the rhetorical strategies Lincoln used in the Gettysburg Address to convey his message.
  • Lincoln employed several rhetorical strategies in his Gettysburg Address, including parallelism, brevity, and emotional appeals. The use of concise phrases allowed him to deliver a powerful message that resonated with his audience. Additionally, by referencing shared values like liberty and democracy, he connected with listeners on an emotional level, reinforcing their sense of national identity and purpose during a time of division.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Gettysburg Address on American political discourse regarding democracy and civil rights.
  • The Gettysburg Address has had a profound long-term impact on American political discourse by embedding core democratic principles into national consciousness. Lincoln's assertion that America is a 'government of the people, by the people, for the people' laid foundational ideas that continue to resonate in discussions about civil rights and equality. Over time, this speech has been invoked in various movements advocating for social justice, reinforcing its role as a moral touchstone in America's ongoing pursuit of equality and democratic values.

Related terms

Abraham Lincoln:

The 16th president of the United States, who led the nation during the Civil War and delivered the Gettysburg Address.

Civil War:

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

Soldiers' National Cemetery: A cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, established to honor Union soldiers who died at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.