The Gettysburg Address
One of the best known speeches in American history is the Gettysburg Address. Abraham Lincoln delivered this speech on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19th, 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This was a few months after the bloodiest battle in the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg which the Union won. In a little over 2 minutes, he restated the truths of human equality that were first written in the Declaration of Independence and also spoke of the struggle keeping the Union together. Lincoln explained that the war was not just to preserve the Union but also a fight for human equality. In his speech he also ensured that the Union’s democracy would stay and scrutinized the founding principals of the United States. There is no doubt that this speech wasn't an incredibly important part of American history, but the wording and location of the speech are still widely debated by many individuals.
On the following day of the dedication, many newspapers printed Abraham Lincoln’s speech. Supporters of Lincoln gave him incredible reviews which noted the heartfelt emotion of the address and the elegance in which it was written and delivered. However, people who opposed Lincoln said the address was inappropriate for the occasion and thought it was silly and short. Horace Greeley, an American newspaper editor and opponent of slavery, said of Lincoln’s speech, “Not a sovereign in Europe, however trained from the cradle for state pomps, and however prompted by statesmen and courtiers, could have uttered himself more regally than did Lincoln at Gettysburg.” Many people found Lincoln’s speech to be inspiring but still many people continued to oppose Lincoln and didn't think his speech was anything special.
The Gettysburg Address was an incredibly important piece of American history. As one of the most famous speeches in US history, it is also one of the most memorized. His speech wasn't long and spiteful but short and sweet which was what the country needed. It also commemorated the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives very well.
What did the supporters of Lincoln think of his speech? What about those who opposed him?
Supporters of Lincoln thought his speech was concise and heartfelt while those who opposed him thought it was too short and inappropriate for the occasion.
What were some key elements of Lincoln’s speech?
Lincoln mentioned the Declaration of Independence in his speech and spoke about the statements about human equality inside the declaration written by this country’s forefathers.
On the following day of the dedication, many newspapers printed Abraham Lincoln’s speech. Supporters of Lincoln gave him incredible reviews which noted the heartfelt emotion of the address and the elegance in which it was written and delivered. However, people who opposed Lincoln said the address was inappropriate for the occasion and thought it was silly and short. Horace Greeley, an American newspaper editor and opponent of slavery, said of Lincoln’s speech, “Not a sovereign in Europe, however trained from the cradle for state pomps, and however prompted by statesmen and courtiers, could have uttered himself more regally than did Lincoln at Gettysburg.” Many people found Lincoln’s speech to be inspiring but still many people continued to oppose Lincoln and didn't think his speech was anything special.
The Gettysburg Address was an incredibly important piece of American history. As one of the most famous speeches in US history, it is also one of the most memorized. His speech wasn't long and spiteful but short and sweet which was what the country needed. It also commemorated the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives very well.
What did the supporters of Lincoln think of his speech? What about those who opposed him?
Supporters of Lincoln thought his speech was concise and heartfelt while those who opposed him thought it was too short and inappropriate for the occasion.
What were some key elements of Lincoln’s speech?
Lincoln mentioned the Declaration of Independence in his speech and spoke about the statements about human equality inside the declaration written by this country’s forefathers.