Lecture Notes: The Gettysburg Address

Introduction

• Date & Event: November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
  • Purpose: Dedication of new cemetery for soldiers of the Battle of Gettysburg.
  • Historical Context: Battle of Gettysburg - bloodiest battle of the Civil War with over 51,000 casualties.

Key Figures

• Abraham Lincoln: Invited to speak last minute; not the featured speaker.
• Edward Everett: Featured speaker, known as an excellent orator, spoke for about two hours.

Lincoln's Speech

• Duration & Reaction: Lincoln spoke for less than two minutes; 272 words.
  • Mixed initial reactions; recognized later for its profound impact.

Breakdown of the Gettysburg Address

Opening Lines

• "Four score and seven years ago...":
  • Translation: 87 years ago from 1863 = 1776, the founding of the nation.
  • Reference to the Declaration of Independence and principle of equality.

The Nation's Conflict

• "Now we are engaged in a great Civil War...":
  • Significance: Testing the durability of a democracy.
  • Perception of the U.S. as an experiment in democracy by monarchies.

Dedication of the Battlefield

• "We have come to dedicate a portion of that field...":
  • Acknowledgment of soldiers' sacrifices for the nation's survival.

Importance of History

• "We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground...":
  • Emphasizes learning and remembering history.

Responsibilities of the Living

• "It is for us the living...":
  • Responsibility to complete the work of those who sacrificed.
  • Reference to ongoing tasks: winning the war, reuniting the Union, addressing race relations.

Conclusion and Vision

• "This nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom...":
  • Alludes to emancipation and new freedom for enslaved people.
  • Describes democratic principles: government of, by, and for the people.

Argument for Lincoln as the Greatest President

• Perspective:
  • Recognized the global importance of preserving democracy.
  • Belief that failure of the Union would deter future democracies.
  • Persistence in ensuring democracy's survival.

Conclusion

• Impact:
  • The Gettysburg Address remains a defining speech on democracy and equality.
  • Lincoln's leadership pivotal in shaping the future of the United States.