November 30th, 2010
During the Civil War in 1863, one of the world most famous speech has been delivered. Through Civil War, the union has been struggling to fight off the British. Reunification of the country beyond slavery became important to create a democratic government, as one nation. After the bloodiest battle on American soil, at Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln dedicates a speech to the soldiers who have lost their lives, to the thousands of citizen, and to the world. He has reminded everyone of what it is to be an American and the basic principal wrote in our Declaration of Independence.
Four Scores and Seven Years Ago
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, presents the most important concept of democracy, that all men are created equal. Abraham Lincoln began his speech by stating that the founding fathers of this country since the Declaration of Independence have been made this new nation for hope for liberty and proposition that all men are created equal. (Lincoln, 1863) America was made for a place with equal rights and freedom. Lincoln has not specifically mentioned slavery, however, he related this to something that everyone would be able to relate to and understand, which would be the basic human rights. The proposition that Lincoln wanted to state through his speech was that “all men are created equal” and the government should be there to protect the human rights.
Sacrifice of Brave Men
During the Gettysburg’s speech, Lincoln uses the word “consecrate” and “hallow” in part of his speech towards the battlefield. He tells, “we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.” (Lincoln, 1863) Consecrate and hallow was used in the speech as a similar definition, which was declaring something holy. Lincoln describes that the ground cannot deem to be holy because “the brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.” (Lincoln, 1863) He describes the heavy sacrifice that these brave soldiers have shed for this countries’ independence. The huge sacrifice of these men, fought at war, was far beyond necessary and that has made this land holy. He shows to the people that they deserve the greatest gratitude.
The 272 Word Speech
The “Gettysburg Address” from Abraham Lincoln is known to be famous for being short and brief. As for how each sentence carries a very deep meaning in Lincoln’s speech, Lincoln was good with using words. Lincoln, only spoke the only important message that he would like to express. Back in the days, people enjoyed longer speeches since there were no many ways to get the input of information. (Public Broadcasting Service, 2013) In addition, Presidents at the time did not go out to the public for a speech. Although, Abraham Lincoln accepts the invitation to do a speech, and has kept his speech short and meaningful. He knew that the whole nation and the world would be listening to his speech. He was approaching his next election and this became a great opportunity for him to reach out to the citizen of America. As he was proficient in telegraphic communication, he knows that there would be reporters from every state would be present. He has made the speech brief so the message can be easily passed on, printed, and shared with everyone.
Government of the People, By the People, For the People
Lincoln finishes by expressing a new beginning for this country and brought great motivation. He shows his strong opinion in democracy and a government that ensures people’s rights. Abraham Lincoln describes as, “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.” (Lincoln, 1863) Abraham Lincoln redefine the Declaration of Independence and what it is to become an American. Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln share the same values in influencing equal rights and spoke for abolishing slavery. Frederick Douglass tells in his article, in the south, a white man holding no slaves was usually an ignorant however the non-slave-holders in the north were not regarded by ignorant. (Douglass, 1845, pg. 6) Frederick Douglass is surprised at the difference that African Americans are treated in each state however some portion of the state slavery still was clearly existent. Some states have accepted abolishing slavery, however, there was huge discrimination, such as soldier being paid not equal to white men. As Abraham Lincoln describes that “all men are created equal”, this message that he have shared changes this. Even the Emancipation Proclamation has been put in place, in future time discrimination and segregation continued. Because that Abraham Lincoln has addressed this, the future leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. has stood up to speak for equal rights in front of Abraham Lincoln memorial.
Conclusion
During the time of Civil War in 1863, the Gettysburg Speech has reminded the American people of what it is to become an American and what human rights we value. This speech has become the most famous speech in the world. Through the difficulty Lincoln was enduring in the Civil War, Lincoln’s speech has brought a sense of unity in the country, as one nation. His great speech after a tremendous battle in Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln dedicates a speech brave soldiers that have fought for their lives for this nation’s freedom, reminding everyone that “all men are created equal”.
References
Douglass, F. (1845). My Escape from slavery. Frederick Douglass. Retrieved from
http://prod.mhpowerofprocess.com/instructor/90669/select_reading_pre/
Lincoln, A (1863). The Gettysburg Address.
Public Broadcasting Service. Lincoln @ Gettysburg. Retrieved from
