Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln

Isn’t it fascinating, the way history has a knack for looping back on itself? Just as you’re immersing yourself in the complexities of the present, you’re suddenly thrown back to a moment in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln stood on a battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and delivered a speech that would echo through the ages.

Though brief, the Gettysburg Address is charged with powerful rhetoric and profound ideals, offering a glimpse into the heart of a nation at war with itself.

As we explore it together, we’ll unravel the layers of meaning woven into Lincoln’s words, and perhaps, in the process, we’ll find some 21st-century resonance in his 19th-century address.

So, are you ready to step back in time and unravel this historical masterpiece?

Background

The Gettysburg Address was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln amidst the harsh climate of the American Civil War, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1863. Lincoln aimed to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and reestablish the principles of equality and freedom as the war’s ultimate purpose. The speech was delivered four months after the devastating battle, marking a pivotal point in the great civil war.

In his poignant delivery, Lincoln referenced the nation’s history, stating ‘four score and seven years ago,’ to recall the principles of the nation’s founding fathers. This affirmation echoed a dedication to the proposition that all men are created equal. Lincoln’s personal commitment to these ideals was evident, as he emphasized the honor and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought to uphold it.

Five known copies of the speech exist, each slightly different, reflecting the urgency and immediacy of the time. Each copy is signed and dated by Lincoln himself, underscoring the weight and significance of the moment. These documents serve as a testament to the gravity and impact of the Gettysburg Address within its historical context.

Key Takeaways

Here are 4 key takeaways from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address that underscore the principles of equality, liberty, and the perpetual quest for a nation united and free:

• The address stands as a pivotal moment in American history, marking a profound commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights.
• Lincoln aimed to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and reestablish the principles of equality and freedom.
• Lincoln was inspired by the dedication and devotion of the soldiers who fought in the civil war and the ideals of equality and freedom brought forth by the nation’s founding fathers.
• The Gettysburg Address transformed the purpose of the Civil War to advocate freedom and equality, shaping public opinion and becoming a symbol of national unity and sacrifice.

Story

As we delve into the essence of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, we uncover the profound sources of inspiration that propelled him to articulate such a transformative speech. Anchored in the enduring principles of equality and freedom, Lincoln’s words were not just a reflection of his era but a call to the future, urging a nation to live up to its foundational ideals.

Let’s embark on this journey through history, understanding how Lincoln’s vision of a ‘new birth of freedom’ continues to inspire and challenge us to forge a more inclusive and equitable society.

Lincoln’s Inspiration

While understanding the historical context of the Gettysburg Address illuminates its significance, it’s equally important to explore Lincoln’s inspiration behind crafting such an impactful speech. Lincoln’s inspiration was deeply rooted in the principles of equality and freedom, derived from the Declaration of Independence. This document, penned 104 years before the Gettysburg Address, asserted that ‘all men are created equal,’ a concept Lincoln sought to reinforce in his speech.

Lincoln’s inspiration primarily stemmed from three sources:

• The dedication and devotion of the soldiers who fought in the great civil war, particularly those who gave their lives at Gettysburg.
• The ideals that the fathers brought forth when they founded the nation, primarily equality and freedom.
• Lincoln’s personal belief in a ‘new birth of freedom’—a vision for a United States that upheld and extended its foundational principles to all its citizens.

In the Gettysburg Address, 1863 by Abraham Lincoln, his inspiration served to redefine the war’s purpose, shifting focus from preserving the Union to affirming the principles of equality and freedom. The speech resonates even today, a testament to the enduring power of Lincoln’s inspiration.

Impact on American Society

How has the Gettysburg Address impacted American society, you may wonder? The 1863 speech by Abraham Lincoln stands out amongst famous speeches, its resonating principles echoing through time. This influential oration stands as a beacon of the proposition that all men are created equal, transforming the purpose of the Civil War from preserving the Union to advocating freedom and equality.

It’s redefined the nation so conceived and has left an indelible mark on the American psyche, shaping public opinion and rallying support for the Union cause.

Its profound impact is seen in the unfinished work of those who, with their full measure of devotion, fought for freedom, inspiring generations to strive for equality and justice.

It’s become a cornerstone of American education, studied in schools, and quoted in political speeches, reinforcing the values that Lincoln championed.

The Gettysburg Address didn’t let those who died in vain—that this nation might live long endure, but instead, has become a symbol of national unity and sacrifice. Lincoln’s powerful words continue to shape our society, reflecting the lasting impact of this significant historical moment.

Relevance Today

Building on Lincoln’s enduring impact, it’s crucial to consider the relevance of the Gettysburg Address in today’s society. The principles Lincoln espoused—equality and freedom—resonate today, underscoring our own ongoing struggle for societal parity.

104 years ago, at Gettysburg, Lincoln briefly referred to the great civil strife rending the nation, a reference that speaks volumes to us now as we navigate our own societal conflicts. The Address’s call to honor those who’ve ‘far so nobly advanced’ is as relevant today as it was then, reminding us to appreciate the sacrifices made by those safeguarding our nation.

In the Lincoln Room, the last known copy written by Lincoln is displayed, a testament to the enduring impact of his words. This copy, inscribed with Lincoln’s personal call for a ‘new birth of freedom,’ continues to inspire movements advocating for civil liberties today. Its emphasis on a government of the people, for the people, is a rallying cry in our discussions about democracy and civic engagement.

The task remaining before us—that fervent pursuit of justice and freedom—reflects the relevance today of the Gettysburg Address, underlining the importance of Lincoln’s words in our contemporary world.

Learnings

In Lincoln’s Gettysburg speech, there are 3 key learnings. Let’s delve into these:

The Ideals of the American Experiment

Lincoln’s vision encapsulates the foundational principles that continue to guide American democracy:

• Unwavering Belief in Equality: Reinforces the idea that the inherent equality of all individuals is a fundamental principle of American democracy, echoing through Lincoln’s address.
• Sacrifice for Higher Principles: Highlights the central role of the sacrifices made in the quest for freedom and unity, acknowledging their significance in shaping the nation’s past and future.
• Continual Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: Calls for a sustained effort to enhance and refine the union, underlining the concept of democracy as an evolving endeavor requiring constant dedication.

These ideals underscore the enduring commitment to building a society that values equality, recognizes sacrifice, and continuously strives for improvement.

The Cost of Liberty

The commemoration at Gettysburg serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom:

• Honoring the Sacrifices of the Past: The creation of the cemetery at Gettysburg stands as a somber acknowledgment of the price paid for liberty, emphasizing the need to remember those who fought for it.
• Increased Devotion to the Cause: Encourages us to find inspiration in the selflessness of those who have died for democracy, urging a renewed commitment to the ideals they championed.
• Ensuring Their Sacrifices Were Not in Vain: Affirms the obligation to ensure that the nation not only survives but flourishes as a democracy, honoring the legacy of those who have sacrificed their lives.

This reflection on the cost of liberty calls for a deep appreciation of the past and a resolute commitment to uphold the democratic values for which many have fought and died.

The Promise of Democracy

Lincoln’s address at Gettysburg articulates a vision of renewal and the enduring spirit of democracy:

• A New Birth of Freedom: Proclaims a vision for America to undergo a transformation, fully embracing and expanding the ideals of freedom to all its citizens.
• Government of, by, and for the People: Reinforces the notion that democracy thrives on the active participation and consent of its citizens, emphasizing their critical role in shaping governance.
• The Permanence of Democracy: Asserts the lasting promise of democratic governance, positioning it as a source of hope and a paradigm for the world to follow.

This vision of democracy, marked by a renewed commitment to freedom, participatory governance, and the enduring nature of democratic principles, continues to inspire and challenge us to realize its full potential.

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Speech

Bliss Copy

Ever since Lincoln wrote it in 1864, this version has been the most often reproduced, notably on the walls of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. It is named after Colonel Alexander Bliss, stepson of historian George Bancroft. Bancroft asked President Lincoln for a copy to use as a fundraiser for soldiers (see “Bancroft Copy” below). However, because Lincoln wrote on both sides of the paper, the speech could not be reprinted, so Lincoln made another copy at Bliss’s request. It is the last known copy written by Lincoln and the only one signed and dated by him. Today it is on display at the Lincoln Room of the White House.

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.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

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 — that we here highly 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.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

Nicolay Copy

Named for John G. Nicolay, President Lincoln’s personal secretary, this is considered the “first draft” of the speech, begun in Washington on White house stationery. The second page is writen on different paper stock, indicating it was finished in Gettysburg before the cemetery dedication began. Lincoln gave this draft to Nicolay, who went to Gettysburg with Lincoln and witnessed the speech. The Library of Congress owns this manuscript.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who died here, that the nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate we can not consecrate we can not hallow, this ground The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract.

The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here.

It is rather for us, the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us that, from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation, 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.

Hay Copy

Believed to be the second draft of the speech, President Lincoln gave this copy to John Hay, a White House assistant. Hay accompanied Lincoln to Gettysburg and briefly referred to the speech in his diary: “the President, in a fine, free way, with more grace than is his wont, said his half dozen words of consecration.” The Hay copy, which includes Lincoln’s handwritten changes, also is owned by the Library of Congress.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met here on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate we can not consecrate we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but can never forget what they did here.

It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they have, thus far, so nobly carried on.

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 that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Everett Copy

Edward Everett, the chief speaker at the Gettysburg cemetery dedication, clearly admired Lincoln’s remarks and wrote to him 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.” In 1864 Everett asked Lincoln for a copy of the speech to benefit Union soldiers, making it the third manuscript copy. Eventually the state of Illinois acquired it, where it’s preserved at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives, that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

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 here gave the last full measure of devotion

that we here highly 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.

Bancroft Copy

As noted above, historian George Bancroft asked President Lincoln for a copy to use as a fundraiser for soldiers. When Lincoln sent his copy on February 29, 1864, he used both sides of the paper, rendering the manuscript useless for lithographic engraving. So Bancroft kept this copy and Lincoln had to produce an additional one (Bliss Copy). The Bancroft copy is now owned by Cornell University.

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.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives, that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. 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 here gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly 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.

Conclusion

In essence, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a beacon of hope in 1863, remains relevant today. It symbolizes the enduring pursuit of equality, freedom, and the recognition of sacrifice.

It’s not just a historical speech, but a compass guiding us in our ongoing journey towards a more just society. As we honor the past, let’s also remember Lincoln’s words, and use them as a catalyst for our continued fight for these fundamental principles.

 

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