1. Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln

2. Gettysburg Address Historical Context Main Points
About the Author
Major issues of the times
Intended Audience
Main Points
Historical Significance
Impact and it’s importance on society at the time
Impact and it’s importance on society of later generations

3. Abraham Lincoln Leader of the Republican Party in 1860
Becomes the 16th President of the United States receiving 40% of the popular vote
Southerners called him the “Black Republican”

4. 2 Major Issues and Presidents View
issue over the expansion of slavery
The majority in the North were opposed to Slavery
The majority in the South were in favor of Slavery
President Lincoln was not advocating the abolishment of slavery rather he felt slavery should not expand and it would die a natural death
issue of secession – did a state have a right to secede from the United States?
The North says no
The South felt if they could ratify the Constitution they could UN-ratify it
President Lincoln said it was unconstitutional

5. Disagreement over issues led to Civil War
Began in Summer of 1861
Americans killing Americans
Highest U.S. casualties of any war
The Battle of Gettysburg was a crucial battle in the Civil War. It is viewed as a turning point in the war.
Just prior to this battle the Confederacy had been making significant advances while the Union was on the losing end.

6. Gettysburg Address
About a 2 minute speech given by President Lincoln at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery.
Given 4 months after the costliest battle of the Civil War.
Total casualties of the War to this time 472,154
This battle alone had 54,707 casualties

7. United States Citizens
Intended Audience
People of Gettysburg
Union Soldiers
United States Citizens

8. Main Points It is time we talk about the promise of equality.
“…a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal”
We honor the soldiers sacrifice.
“The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”
“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us”
The Union is worth fighting for. It is not a confederation but a federal government.
“—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 parish from the earth.”

9. Historical Significance
Impact on the society at the time
Renewed devotion to the Union war efforts
Verbal reassurance that the government was “of the people” not “of the state”
Gave people on both sides pride and purpose

10. Historical Significance
Impact on society today
The idea that “all men are created equal” is still an American democratic ideal
Settled the issue of secession