Quck answer
The Gettysburg Address was a speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It was given on November 19, 1863, at the dedication ceremony of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The address lasted only a few minutes but has since become one of the most famous speeches in American history. In his speech, Lincoln emphasized the principles of equality, liberty, and democracy, and he expressed his commitment to preserving the Union. The Gettysburg Address is remembered for its concise and powerful language, and its significance in shaping the future of the United States.
The instructor approached the blackboard and inscribed “The Gettysburg Address” in large font. Then they indicated a student and inquired, “Are you aware of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address?”
The student turned pale. With a gulp, they responded slowly, “No, I do not. I believed Lincoln lived in Washington!”
Alright, that is an old joke. However, we find it amusing! Obviously, the instructor was not referring to the location where Lincoln resided. They were referring to a different meaning of the word “address.” An address can also pertain to a speech given to a group of individuals.
The Gettysburg Address is one of the most renowned speeches in American history. It was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863. The speech contained only 272 words and lasted a mere two minutes. Nevertheless, it continues to resonate as a compelling example of Lincoln’s eloquence.
The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania held significant importance during the U.S. Civil War. Four months after the battle, a ceremony was organized to consecrate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. This is where the fallen soldiers from that momentous battle were laid to rest. Numerous individuals spoke at the dedication ceremony, including President Abraham Lincoln.
Prior to Lincoln taking the podium, the audience listened to a speech by Edward Everett. He was a former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State. Everett spoke about the Battle of Gettysburg for two hours. Finally, President Lincoln stood before the crowd of 15,000 people. The opening words of the Gettysburg Address have been committed to memory by countless individuals since they were first uttered. It begins, “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
In just two minutes, Lincoln evoked the ideas initially outlined in the Declaration of Independence. He proceeded to commend the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg. Then, Lincoln declared that the Civil War was not merely a struggle to preserve the Union. He asserted that it was also a battle for human equality.
This was a novel concept at the time. White slaveholders had long pointed to the fact that the Constitution did not prohibit slavery. However, Lincoln pointed to the Declaration of Independence. He viewed it as the true reflection of the intentions of the Founding Fathers. He highlighted that it stated the new nation was “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
Lincoln also implored his audience to “resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.” Lincoln also acknowledged that “[t]he world will little note, nor long remember what we say here.”
On the contrary, Lincoln’s words at Gettysburg endure as one of the most frequently quoted speeches in U.S. history. In the words of Senator Charles Sumner, Lincoln “was mistaken. The world immediately took notice of what he said, and will never cease to remember it.”
Have you ever had the chance to read the Gettysburg Address? Many students come across it during their school years and some even commit it to memory. If you haven’t had the opportunity to familiarize yourself with this significant speech, take some time to do so. It is widely believed that Lincoln’s words still hold great importance in today’s world!
Give It a Try
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Gettysburg Address today! Share your newfound knowledge with friends and family by engaging in the following activities:
- Go online and read through the entire text of the Gettysburg Address. Take note of any unfamiliar words and look up their definitions. Discuss this famous speech with your loved ones. Which parts resonate with you the most? What do you think has contributed to the popularity of Lincoln’s speech? Does its brevity enhance or diminish its influence? Why?
- Explore the Gettysburg Address Online Exhibition on the Library of Congress website. Which items pique your interest? Imagine how you would have reacted to Lincoln’s speech if you were present on that momentous day. How would you compare Lincoln’s renowned speech to the speeches delivered by modern-day government officials? Support your opinion with examples.
- Feeling up for a challenge? Commit the Gettysburg Address to memory and recite it for your friends and family. Not only will this exercise help you develop valuable public speaking skills, but it will also solidify in your mind one of the most famous speeches in American history. If you’re having trouble memorizing the entire speech, break it down into smaller sections and learn one section at a time. Take your time and deliver the best rendition of Lincoln’s speech that you can!
Further Reading
- http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/gettysburg-address (accessed 28 Jan. 2020)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gettysburg_Address (accessed 28 Jan. 2020)
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