The Purpose of the Gettysburg Address: Commemoration, Unification, and a Call to Action

Introduction

The Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, is a seminal document in American history. It serves several key purposes, including commemoration, the reinforcement of national ideals, and the call to action for unification. This article explores how Lincoln's concise speech encapsulates the spirit and purpose of the Civil War.

Commemorative Purpose

The speech was given at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The purpose was to honor the soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal event in the American Civil War. By focusing on the fallen, Lincoln's address serves to commemorate the sacrifices made for a more perfect union.

Lincoln begins with the famous line, 'Four score and seven years ago,' referencing the Declaration of Independence signed in 1776. This reference is significant as it sets the context for the nation's founding principles. He explicitly acknowledges that the United States was created by the operation of the Declaration of Independence, not merely the ratification of the Constitution by individual states.

Reinforcement of National Ideals

Lincoln aimed to reaffirm the basic principles of the nation, as espoused in the Declaration of Independence. These fundamental values include liberty and equality for all men. In his dedication speech, Lincoln emphasized that the nation was founded on the belief that all men are created equal. This assertion serves to remind the audience of the foundational values that America stands for.

By invoking these ideals, Lincoln seeks to unify the nation during a time of deep division. The Civil War had exacerbated racial and political tensions, and Lincoln recognized the need to rally the nation around common values. His speech provides a moral grounding for the conflict, asserting that the war is fought to uphold these cherished principles.

Unification and Call to Action

The Gettysburg Address is also a call to action for the living. Lincoln urges the audience to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work of those who fought at Gettysburg. He emphasizes the importance of continuing the struggle for equality and democracy, thereby encouraging a commitment to the Union cause.

Key phrases such as 'that these dead shall not have died in vain' and 'that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom' are powerful reminders that the sacrifices made on the battlefield are not in vain. These lines encourage all Americans to contribute to the preservation and expansion of the nation's freedoms and equality.

Conclusion

The Gettysburg Address remains a powerful and succinct articulation of American ideals. It emphasizes both remembrance and a vision for the future. Lincoln's speech serves as a reminder of the nation's foundational values and the continuous struggle to uphold them. As a result, it continues to resonate with readers and listeners more than a century and a half after its delivery.