The Gettysburg Address is Abraham Lincoln’s concise and powerful speech delivered on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War, that is explained at WHAT.EDU.VN. This iconic address dedicated the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, articulating the war’s purpose and a vision for national unity. Explore its meaning and significance now with keywords: Lincoln’s speech, Civil War address, American history.
1. What Is The Gettysburg Address and Why Is It Important?
The Gettysburg Address is a speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It’s important because it eloquently and concisely articulated the purpose of the Civil War and offered a vision for a unified nation grounded in the principle that all men are created equal.
The Gettysburg Address is more than just a historical document; it’s a cornerstone of American identity. Delivered during the Civil War, a time of immense national division and strife, Lincoln’s words provided a powerful message of unity, equality, and hope. Its importance lies in its ability to encapsulate the ideals of American democracy and to inspire generations to strive for a more perfect union.
1.1. Understanding the Historical Context
To fully appreciate the Gettysburg Address, it’s essential to understand the context in which it was delivered. The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a brutal conflict fought over the issues of slavery and states’ rights. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought just four months before Lincoln’s address, was a turning point in the war, marking a significant Union victory. The dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery was a solemn occasion to honor the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.
1.2. The Enduring Significance of Lincoln’s Words
Despite its brevity (lasting only about two minutes), the Gettysburg Address has had a profound and lasting impact on American society and political thought. Its themes of equality, liberty, and national unity continue to resonate today, making it one of the most important speeches in American history. The speech’s enduring power lies in its elegant language, its moral clarity, and its ability to connect the sacrifices of the past with the hopes for the future.
2. What Were Abraham Lincoln’s Main Points In The Gettysburg Address?
Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address focused on dedicating the battlefield as a cemetery for fallen soldiers, emphasizing equality, honoring the soldiers’ sacrifice, and urging the nation to continue fighting for freedom and self-government. The speech is a concise yet profound statement of American ideals.
Lincoln’s address, though brief, is packed with powerful ideas and messages. He masterfully weaves together themes of the past, present, and future, connecting the nation’s founding principles with the immediate crisis of the Civil War and the hopes for a more just and unified future.
2.1. “Four score and seven years ago…” – Connecting to the Nation’s Founding
Lincoln begins by invoking the year 1776, marking the birth of the United States with the Declaration of Independence. By referencing the Founding Fathers, he connects the current struggle to the nation’s core principles of liberty and equality. This establishes a historical framework for understanding the Civil War as a test of whether a nation founded on such ideals can endure.
2.2. “…dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” – Emphasizing Equality
This phrase from the Declaration of Independence is central to Lincoln’s argument. He reminds the audience that the nation was founded on the principle of equality, a principle that was directly challenged by the institution of slavery. The Civil War, in Lincoln’s view, was a fight to ensure that this principle would truly apply to all Americans.
2.3. Honoring the Sacrifice of the Soldiers
Lincoln acknowledges that the soldiers who fought and died at Gettysburg had already consecrated the ground far more than any words could. He emphasizes that their sacrifice was not in vain and that it is the duty of the living to ensure that their cause – the preservation of the Union and the expansion of freedom – would prevail.
2.4. “…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom” – A Vision for the Future
Lincoln concludes by calling for a “new birth of freedom,” suggesting that the Civil War presented an opportunity to create a more just and equitable society. He reiterates the importance of government “of the people, by the people, for the people,” emphasizing the democratic ideals that the Union was fighting to preserve.
3. What Is the Meaning of “Four Score and Seven Years Ago” In the Gettysburg Address?
“Four score and seven years ago” refers to 87 years before 1863, which is 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln used this phrase to connect the Civil War to the founding principles of the United States, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to equality and liberty.
This opening phrase is perhaps the most recognizable and impactful part of the Gettysburg Address. It serves as a powerful rhetorical device, immediately grounding the speech in the historical context of the American Revolution and the nation’s founding.
3.1. The Significance of 1776
By referencing 1776, Lincoln invokes the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government that were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. He reminds his audience of the principles upon which the nation was founded and suggests that the Civil War is a test of whether those principles will endure.
3.2. Connecting Past and Present
Lincoln’s use of “four score and seven years ago” creates a direct link between the American Revolution and the Civil War. He implies that the struggle for independence in the 18th century is directly related to the struggle to preserve the Union in the 19th century. This connection underscores the importance of the Civil War as a fight to uphold the nation’s founding ideals.
3.3. A Call to Action
The phrase also serves as a subtle call to action. By reminding his audience of the sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers, Lincoln inspires them to dedicate themselves to the cause of preserving the Union and ensuring that the ideals of liberty and equality would prevail.
4. What Were The Five Different Versions Of The Gettysburg Address?
The five versions of the Gettysburg Address are the Nicolay Copy, Hay Copy, Everett Copy, Bancroft Copy, and Bliss Copy. Each copy, named after its recipient, varies slightly in wording and punctuation, reflecting different stages of drafting and revision by Lincoln.
Despite these minor variations, the core message and meaning of the Gettysburg Address remain consistent across all five versions. Each copy offers a unique glimpse into Lincoln’s writing process and his careful crafting of this iconic speech.
4.1. The Nicolay Copy: The “First Draft”
Named for John G. Nicolay, Lincoln’s personal secretary, this copy is considered the earliest draft of the speech. It’s believed that Lincoln began writing this version in Washington D.C. and completed it in Gettysburg before delivering the address. The Nicolay Copy is currently housed at the Library of Congress.
4.2. The Hay Copy: A Refined Version
The Hay Copy, named for John Hay, another of Lincoln’s White House assistants, is believed to be the second draft of the speech. This version includes some handwritten changes by Lincoln and is also owned by the Library of Congress. Hay accompanied Lincoln to Gettysburg and briefly mentioned the speech in his diary.
4.3. The Everett Copy: A Fundraiser for Soldiers
Edward Everett, the main speaker at the Gettysburg cemetery dedication, admired Lincoln’s address and requested a copy to benefit Union soldiers. This copy, made in 1864, eventually found its way to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Illinois.
4.4. The Bancroft Copy: An Unsuitable Manuscript
Historian George Bancroft also requested a copy of the speech to use as a fundraiser for soldiers. However, when Lincoln sent his copy, he had written on both sides of the paper, making it unsuitable for reproduction. Bancroft kept this copy, which is now owned by Cornell University, and Lincoln had to produce another one.
4.5. The Bliss Copy: The Authoritative Text
The Bliss Copy, named for Colonel Alexander Bliss, Bancroft’s stepson, is considered the most authoritative version of the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln created this copy at Bliss’s request after the Bancroft Copy proved unusable. The Bliss Copy is the last known copy written by Lincoln and the only one signed and dated by him. It’s currently on display at the White House.
This image shows a header with links to various resources related to Abraham Lincoln, including his speeches, books, and related places and timelines.
5. What Key Phrases and Sentences Stand Out In The Gettysburg Address?
Several phrases and sentences in the Gettysburg Address are particularly memorable and impactful, including “Four score and seven years ago,” “all men are created equal,” “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” and “a new birth of freedom.” These phrases encapsulate the speech’s core themes and have resonated throughout history.
These key phrases and sentences are not only memorable but also deeply meaningful, reflecting the core values and ideals of American democracy. They have been quoted and referenced countless times in political speeches, literature, and popular culture, demonstrating their enduring power and relevance.
5.1. “Four score and seven years ago…”
As discussed earlier, this opening phrase immediately connects the Civil War to the nation’s founding and the principles of the American Revolution. It sets the stage for Lincoln’s argument about the importance of preserving the Union and upholding the ideals of liberty and equality.
5.2. “…all men are created equal”
This phrase from the Declaration of Independence is central to Lincoln’s message. He emphasizes that the Civil War is a fight to ensure that this principle truly applies to all Americans, regardless of race. This was a radical idea at the time, as slavery was still legal in many states.
5.3. “…that these dead shall not have died in vain…”
This phrase highlights the importance of honoring the sacrifices of the soldiers who died at Gettysburg. Lincoln argues that their deaths must serve a greater purpose – the preservation of the Union and the expansion of freedom.
5.4. “…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom…”
This phrase expresses Lincoln’s hope that the Civil War will lead to a more just and equitable society. He envisions a nation where the ideals of liberty and equality are fully realized for all citizens.
5.5. “…government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of American democracy. Lincoln emphasizes that the government derives its power from the people and that its purpose is to serve the people. He warns that the failure of the Union would mean the failure of this experiment in self-government.
6. What Was The Immediate Reaction To The Gettysburg Address?
Initial reactions to the Gettysburg Address were mixed. While some recognized its eloquence and power, others criticized its brevity and unconventional style. However, over time, the speech has come to be regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history.
The Gettysburg Address was not universally praised upon its delivery. In fact, some contemporary accounts suggest that it was overshadowed by the longer and more conventional speech given by Edward Everett. However, Lincoln’s words quickly gained recognition for their power and eloquence, and the speech has since become a touchstone of American identity.
6.1. Mixed Contemporary Reviews
Some newspapers and commentators initially criticized the speech for being too short and lacking in traditional oratorical flourishes. Edward Everett’s two-hour speech was considered by many to be the main event of the day. However, other observers recognized the power and significance of Lincoln’s brief remarks.
6.2. Everett’s Admiration
Edward Everett himself recognized the power of Lincoln’s words. He wrote to Lincoln the next day, saying, “I should be glad, if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes.”
6.3. A Growing Appreciation
Over time, the Gettysburg Address gained increasing recognition for its eloquence, its moral clarity, and its profound message of unity and hope. It has since become one of the most studied and revered speeches in American history, inspiring generations with its timeless message.
7. How Did The Gettysburg Address Shape American Identity?
The Gettysburg Address shaped American identity by redefining the purpose of the Civil War as a struggle for equality and freedom, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to its founding ideals, and promoting a vision of national unity and reconciliation. It helped transform the war from a conflict about preserving the Union to a fight for human rights.
The Gettysburg Address has had a profound and lasting impact on American identity. It has helped to shape the way Americans understand their history, their values, and their place in the world. The speech’s themes of equality, liberty, and national unity continue to resonate today, making it a cornerstone of American identity.
7.1. Redefining the Purpose of the Civil War
Lincoln’s address helped to shift the focus of the Civil War from simply preserving the Union to fighting for the broader cause of equality and freedom. By emphasizing the principle that “all men are created equal,” he transformed the war into a moral crusade against slavery and for human rights.
7.2. Reinforcing National Ideals
The Gettysburg Address reinforced the nation’s commitment to its founding ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government. By invoking the principles of the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln reminded Americans of the values that had brought the nation into being and inspired them to strive for a more perfect union.
7.3. Promoting National Unity
Despite being delivered during a time of intense national division, the Gettysburg Address offered a vision of national unity and reconciliation. Lincoln’s words called for Americans to put aside their differences and work together to build a nation where the ideals of liberty and equality would be fully realized for all citizens.
8. What Are Some Misconceptions About The Gettysburg Address?
Common misconceptions about the Gettysburg Address include the belief that Lincoln wrote it on the back of an envelope on the train to Gettysburg, that it was poorly received at the time, and that it is a perfect historical document without any variations in different versions.
These misconceptions often arise from incomplete information or a misunderstanding of the historical context surrounding the Gettysburg Address. By dispelling these myths, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the speech’s significance and its place in American history.
8.1. The “Back of an Envelope” Myth
One common misconception is that Lincoln hastily scribbled the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope while traveling by train to Gettysburg. In reality, Lincoln carefully prepared his major speeches in advance. While he may have made some final revisions in Gettysburg, the bulk of the speech was likely written beforehand.
8.2. The “Poorly Received” Myth
As mentioned earlier, the Gettysburg Address did receive mixed reviews upon its delivery. However, it’s a misconception to believe that it was universally panned or ignored. Many people recognized the power and significance of Lincoln’s words, and the speech quickly gained recognition as a masterpiece of American oratory.
8.3. The “Perfect Document” Myth
It’s also a misconception to think of the Gettysburg Address as a single, perfect historical document. As we’ve seen, there are five different versions of the speech, each with slight variations in wording and punctuation. These variations reflect the different stages of drafting and revision that Lincoln went through.
9. How Can I Learn More About The Gettysburg Address?
To learn more about the Gettysburg Address, you can explore online resources from reputable institutions like the Library of Congress and the National Park Service, read books and articles by historians specializing in Lincoln and the Civil War, visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, and analyze the different versions of the speech.
The Gettysburg Address is a rich and complex topic that has been studied extensively by historians and scholars. By engaging with a variety of resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of the speech’s historical context, its meaning and significance, and its enduring impact on American society.
9.1. Online Resources
Many reputable institutions offer online resources about the Gettysburg Address, including the Library of Congress, the National Park Service, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. These resources may include primary source documents, historical analyses, and interactive exhibits.
9.2. Books and Articles
Numerous books and articles have been written about Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address. Look for works by reputable historians and scholars who specialize in this period of American history. Some recommended titles include “Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America” by Garry Wills and “The Gettysburg Gospel: The Lincoln Speech That Nobody Knows” by Gabor Boritt.
9.3. Visiting Gettysburg
A visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park can provide a powerful and immersive experience. You can walk the battlefield, visit the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and learn more about the battle and the dedication ceremony at the park’s museum and visitor center.
9.4. Analyzing the Different Versions
Studying the five different versions of the Gettysburg Address can provide valuable insights into Lincoln’s writing process and his careful crafting of the speech. Compare and contrast the different versions to see how Lincoln refined his language and message over time.
This image shows the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the site where Lincoln delivered his famous address, with rows of headstones marking the graves of fallen soldiers.
10. Gettysburg Address FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who wrote the Gettysburg Address? | Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, wrote the Gettysburg Address. |
| When was the Gettysburg Address delivered? | The Gettysburg Address was delivered on November 19, 1863. |
| Where was the Gettysburg Address delivered? | The Gettysburg Address was delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. |
| How long is the Gettysburg Address? | The Gettysburg Address is relatively short, consisting of only 272 words. |
| What is the main message of the Gettysburg Address? | The main message is to honor the soldiers who died at Gettysburg, to dedicate the battlefield as a cemetery, and to call for a “new birth of freedom” in the nation, ensuring that the government “of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” |
| Why is the Gettysburg Address so famous? | It is famous for its concise and eloquent language, its powerful message of equality and freedom, and its enduring impact on American identity. |
| What does “four score and seven years ago” mean? | It refers to 87 years before 1863, which is 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence. |
| How many versions of the Gettysburg Address are there? | There are five known versions of the Gettysburg Address, each with slight variations. |
| What is the Bliss Copy? | The Bliss Copy is considered the most authoritative version of the Gettysburg Address, as it is the last known copy written and signed by Lincoln. |
| How did the Gettysburg Address affect the Civil War? | The Gettysburg Address helped to redefine the purpose of the Civil War as a struggle for equality and freedom, galvanizing support for the Union cause and contributing to the eventual abolition of slavery. |
Understanding the Gettysburg Address provides insight into American history, political thought, and the enduring pursuit of equality and unity. The Gettysburg Address is a timeless reminder of the ideals upon which the United States was founded and the sacrifices made to preserve them.
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