Gettysburg Address

Abraham Lincolns address at Gettysburg represents a turning point in the

American Civil War. The battle for Gettysburg was decisive for the faith of the war. Both
the Union and the confederates had had a lot of casualties in the war and it was not clear
towards whom the balance of power was inclining. Gettysburg represented a crossroads
in the history of the American Civil War and of the United States by turning the odds in
favor of the North. An important contribution to this victory was attributed to Abraham
Lincoln, the American president in that period.
Lincolns address at Gettysburg is brief and concise, but the short length of his
address hides a very powerful message, a very intense and strong meaning. In the
beginning of his speech, Lincoln refers to two of the most important human rights: liberty
and equality. His choice is obviously intentional and well founded. His purpose is
evident. Liberty and equality of rights were the pretext for the American Civil War and it
was necessary to remind the soldiers the goal for which they are willing to die. This goal
is morally superior to anything else. Resorting in the same sentence to the words the
fathers and nation his address becomes more meaningful. In this introductory part of
his speech he tries to link the present moments of the Civil War to the American
Revolution. Basically, in this manner the president attempts a reframing of past events in
a new context, that of the Civil war. The presidents intentions are clear. The American
Revolution was the United States most incredible victory of the time and hinting to this
particular moment was a very clever manner to motivate the men, by inoculating them
the idea of victory, of success and in the same time reassuring them that the war is fought
for the right reasons. The introduction was meant to be a boost of power and motivation
for the troops due to the connotations of the language and the precise choice of words.
After the introductory part, the president focuses directly on the Civil War, which
he mentions in his utterance. The return to the past has ended and his goal was obtained.
It is time to catalyze peoples attention on the present, on the Civil War. The register that

he uses is direct and friendly. He addresses to the nation using the first person plural.
Thus, he underlines the fact that all Americans have a common goal and nobody acts
individually, not even the president because they are all united as a community, pursuing
the same dream. The next part of the speech is evidently dedicated to the memory of
those who shed their blood at Gettysburg. It is both a manner of honoring the fighters and
giving recognition for their services, for their sacrifice. Suddenly, the president changes
the pattern. He incorporates in his speech a linker, but not necessarily to contradict his
utterance, but rather to emphasize and to acknowledge the heroism and the sacrifice of
the men fighting on that ground.
Furthermore, to underline the acts of bravery of men, Lincoln makes reference to
the future and to the next generations that will not retain in their memory the words
uttered there, but the magnificent acts of courage and bravery of men, The world will
little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. His discourse is fluent and easy to understand. The listeners and the readers can
notice the subtle turns of perspective as Lincoln focuses on both the heroes of Gettysburg
and on his listeners. This permanent shift between them is an important means of
persuasion, It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work
which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here
dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion
The battle of Gettysburg is regarded as an unfinished task, a task and duty for the living
present there. The presidents words flow naturally and calmly and his message seems to
have been grasped by the audience. Using words such as dedicated and devotion
gives the task an almost spiritual and religious perspective. Hence, the task they were
called upon gains superior moral and ethical value.
The end of the presidents address underlines the inherent values of the American
nation: freedom, democracy and justice. The phrases government of the people, by the
people, for the people became a mark in the history of the American nation, emphasizing
the strength of the American people and their permanent fight against oppression and
tyranny. The final part of Abraham Lincolns address to the nation is a call to arms and to

action in the name of these values that define the United States, its government and
citizens.
All in all, Abraham Lincolns address remains memorable in the history of the
United States and in the history of the world for its intrinsic persuasiveness and
meaningfulness.