The Gettysburg Address is one of the most recognizable documents in the history of the United States. Abraham Lincoln delivered the speech on November 19, 1863 at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery in Gettysburg, PA. This cemetery marks the final resting place for thousands of soldiers who died during the Civil War. At the time the address was given, the United States of America, the experiment in democracy, was 100 years old and had not dealt with a crisis such as this. The very existence of the country was at stake. At the time of the speech, the Union Army, representing the North, and the Confederate Army, representing the South, were in the middle of a gruesome war. The casualties on both sides during the Civil War numbered
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Equality goes far beyond slavery and reaches out to all people of all races and genders. Lincoln also set out to broaden the definition of liberty. Since the years following Lincoln’s address, there have been many conflicts that are rooted in the principle of equality. In the United States, women’s right to vote and the breakdown of racial barriers are two noteworthy issues rooted in equality. Lincoln stated that the ideals of equality must be continually worked on to ensure the survival of democracy. In today’s society, issues of equality are still being addressed, including the rights of gays, the disabled and minorities. Race, an issue during Lincoln’s time, continues to be an issue in contemporary society. The country must follow Lincoln’s lead and continue to pursue equality for all …show more content…
“That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom”, illuminates a new beginning for the nation as it rededicates itself toward equality for all (Lincoln). This quote looks toward the future, and making sure that the American government maintains equality as a guiding principle for future generations. The last quote in Lincoln’s address says: “the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln). This demonstrates Lincoln’s continued insistence that the nation must be under the control of the regular people (Richardson). The regular people symbolize all people of all races and genders with Lincoln emphasizing, the importance of laws and government that provide opportunities for
Equality goes far beyond slavery and reaches out to all people of all races and genders. Lincoln also set out to broaden the definition of liberty. Since the years following Lincoln’s address, there have been many conflicts that are rooted in the principle of equality. In the United States, women’s right to vote and the breakdown of racial barriers are two noteworthy issues rooted in equality. Lincoln stated that the ideals of equality must be continually worked on to ensure the survival of democracy. In today’s society, issues of equality are still being addressed, including the rights of gays, the disabled and minorities. Race, an issue during Lincoln’s time, continues to be an issue in contemporary society. The country must follow Lincoln’s lead and continue to pursue equality for all …show more content…
“That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom”, illuminates a new beginning for the nation as it rededicates itself toward equality for all (Lincoln). This quote looks toward the future, and making sure that the American government maintains equality as a guiding principle for future generations. The last quote in Lincoln’s address says: “the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln). This demonstrates Lincoln’s continued insistence that the nation must be under the control of the regular people (Richardson). The regular people symbolize all people of all races and genders with Lincoln emphasizing, the importance of laws and government that provide opportunities for