Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg Address is a famous speech delivered by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most renowned speeches in American history and articulates key themes of equality, democracy, and national unity. Lincoln’s address was delivered in the context of the Civil War, specifically following the significant Battle of Gettysburg, which resulted in heavy casualties and was a turning point in the war.

In his brief yet powerful remarks, Lincoln emphasized the principles of liberty and human equality as foundational to the American nation, framing the Civil War as a test of the nation’s commitment to these ideals. He called for a new birth of freedom and underscored the importance of ensuring that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth. The address is often celebrated for its eloquence and strong moral message, shaping American national identity and honoring those who had fought for the Union.