Gettysburg Address 1863: Lincoln's Famous Speech — Reading Comprehension

The Gettysburg Address was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War. The speech took place at the dedication of a national cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, just months after the bloody Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln’s speech lasted only about two minutes, but its words have become some of the most famous in American history.

The United States was in crisis. The nation was divided between the Union (northern states) and the Confederacy (southern states), fighting over issues such as slavery and states’ rights. The Battle of Gettysburg had been a turning point, with massive casualties on both sides. The country mourned the loss of thousands of soldiers, and many debated the war’s purpose. Lincoln faced the problem of uniting a fractured nation while honoring those who had died. He sought a solution by reminding Americans of the founding principles of liberty and equality.

In his address, Lincoln began by referencing the nation’s birth: “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.” This quotation connected the war to the ideals stated in the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln’s use of the phrase “all men are created equal” challenged Americans to consider the true meaning of equality, especially in a time of slavery and conflict.

Different groups viewed Lincoln’s speech in contrasting ways. Many Union supporters saw the address as a powerful statement of national purpose and a call for unity. The speech comforted grieving families by honoring the fallen soldiers’ sacrifice. However, some Confederate sympathizers dismissed the speech as political propaganda and believed Lincoln misunderstood Southern values. African Americans and abolitionists, meanwhile, saw hope in Lincoln’s words, as he hinted at a new birth of freedom that could lead to the end of slavery.

Historians note that the Gettysburg Address was both simple and complex. On one hand, its plain language and brief length made it accessible. On the other, Lincoln’s message was layered with meaning and addressed the central conflict of the age. He argued that the Civil War was a test of whether a nation “so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” By using rhetoric—the art of persuasive speaking—Lincoln shaped public opinion and gave citizens a reason to believe in the Union cause.

The consequences of the Gettysburg Address were significant. The speech helped redefine the Civil War as a struggle for freedom and democracy, not just a fight to preserve the Union. It inspired future generations to continue working for equality and justice. Yet, at the time, reactions were mixed. Some newspapers criticized the speech as too short or unremarkable, while others recognized its significance immediately. Over time, the speech became a symbol of American ideals and is still studied in schools today.

When examining primary sources like the Gettysburg Address, historians use evidence and context to understand its impact. The speech’s enduring power comes from its ability to express complex ideas with clarity and emotion. Lincoln’s point of view was that the nation could be renewed through dedication to liberty and equality, but he also acknowledged the enormous human cost of the conflict.

Interesting Fact: Only about 270 words long, the Gettysburg Address was not the main speech that day, but it is the one that history remembers.

When was the Gettysburg Address delivered?

Who gave the Gettysburg Address?

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Why was the nation divided?

What was a main message of the speech?

How did some Confederates react to the speech?

The Gettysburg Address was the longest speech that day.

What does 'rhetoric' mean?