“The Gettysburg Address” &

“Second Inaugural Address”

By Abraham Lincoln(1809-1865)

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) Served as president at one of the most tragic periods

in American history Fought to reunite a nation torn apart by war Most admired and respected for his courage and

strength Illinois state legislature and US Congress Champion of emancipation Ran for Senate against Stephen Douglas and lost, but

the debates helped him win the election of 1860 Civil War broke out Nov. of 1863 he was asked to make remarks for a

national cemetery where the battlefield of Gettysburg

“The Gettysburg Address”by Abraham Lincoln

This style of speaking was greatly influenced by Greek funeral oratory..formal diction

Written after 2 years (November 19, 1863) of bitter fighting, Lincoln asserts that the Civil War is a test of the ideals for which colonials fought in 1776 and he alludes to the Declaration of Independence

This was an attempt to give direction to a divided country and he urged Americans to devote themselves begun by the honored dead (Gettysburg battlefield) ---to preserve freedom for all Americans

“Four score and seven years…” is 87 years Refers to “birth” to relate a complex idea of war

with a common experience

“The Gettysburg Address”by Abraham Lincoln

87 years before 1863 was 1776…the year the Declaration of Independence was signed

The purpose of the meeting for his speech is to dedicate a portion of the field as a final resting place (cemetery) for the soldiers

PURPOSE: Lincoln’s purpose is to explain the importance of the war and to inspire people to support the country, not just what side you are on

The ground is made sacred more by the men who died, rather than anything Lincoln can say or do

Lincoln’s view of himself and his audience is to be humble and dedicate this ground

“The Gettysburg Address”by Abraham Lincoln

The battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, fought in July 1863 was an important Union victory and marked a TURNING POINT in the war

More than 51,000 soldiers were injured in the battle, and on November 19, 1863, a military cemetery was dedicated

Lincoln wanted to lead the 15,000 American citizens at the cemetery dedication through an emotional final rite of passage and gain continuing support for a bloody conflict that was far from over

He added “under God” to the speech to describe the nation and suggestion of divine approval of the US and it goals freedom would have for them

“The Gettysburg Address”by Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln expresses his view of slavery and ties it to what the Founding Fathers say is our duty as American citizens

He must rally the American public around the cause of winning the war

Ends speech with his vision of the country of united and rebirth…national unity

READ: 2nd Inaugural Address, Letter to Son

“The Gettysburg Address”by Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln: Given March 4, 1865, about 1 month before he was killed

Lincoln recalled the issues that faced the country four years earlier, acknowledged slavery as the real cause of the ongoing war, and lamented the tragedy of war

He expressed hope for the end of that war and urged Americans to strive for a lasting peace

The VP and President are sworn into office in an inauguration ceremony and this is the occasion of the President’s Inaugural Address

The 20th Amendment to the Constitution ratified in 1933, set the terms of these offices to begin on January 20th

The 2nd Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln gave his 1st on March 4, 1861 and his 2nd exactly 4 years later on March 4, 1865

Lincoln gives his audience credit for keeping up-to-date on the current affairs and the war effort

When Lincoln was elected, the country had a population of 31 million, of which 9 million lived in the southern states

Of the 9 million, 4 million were SLAVES! By the time of his 1st inauguration, 7 states had

already seceded, and others were on the verge of joining them in the recently joined Confederacy

The 2nd Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s diction (Lincoln’s word choice) in this address suggests his purpose to impress a national audience with the importance of his message…peace

He explains the Civil War essentially as that God is punishing the United States for allowing slavery

Lincoln demonstrates a solid understanding of what the country thinks and feels and his words show that he recognizes the suffering of the people, the losses they have experienced, and he appeals for divine inspiration

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford Theater in April 15, 1865

Lincoln uses formal diction in both speeches

The 2nd Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln