The Gettysburg Address is a quintessential speech often mentioned in Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) curriculums. Delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in November 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the speech encapsulates the core ideals of the nation: government of the people, by the people, for the people. Lincoln’s powerful words not only resonated with the Union during the Civil War but continue to inspire Americans today.
The Gettysburg Address APUSH: Understanding Its Enduring Structure
The Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, is a timeless masterpiece of American oratory. Its concise and eloquent structure conveys a profound message that resonates to this day.
Paragraph Breakdown:
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Introductory Paragraph:
- Establishes the occasion: Dedication of a national cemetery at Gettysburg
- Mentions the “fathers” who consecrated the ground and “the brave men, living and dead” who fought there
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Historical Reference:
- Recalls the country’s founding principles of “liberty” and “equality”
- Notes the ongoing Civil War as a “great testing” of those principles
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Central Argument:
- States the new birth of freedom at the cost of many lives
- Declares that the nation “must be born again” to ensure the survival of government “of the people, by the people, for the people”
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Challenge and Hope:
- Acknowledges the ongoing struggle and the need for “increased devotion”
- Expresses hope that “the dead shall not have died in vain” and that the country may have “a new birth of freedom”
Rhetorical Devices:
- Parallelism: “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 perish from the Earth.”
- Rhetorical Questions: “We are met on a great battle-field of that war.”
- Figurative Language: “the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,” “this ground” consecrated “in a larger sense”
Table of Key Phrases:
| Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Four score and seven years ago” | The Declaration of Independence was adopted 87 years prior |
| “Governed by the people” | People have the right to self-governance |
| “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” | The ultimate ideal of a democratic society |
| “Unfinished work” | The ongoing struggle to ensure equality and liberty |
| “The mystic chords of memory” | The emotional bonds that unite Americans |
| “The last full measure of devotion” | The ultimate sacrifice of one’s life |
Question 1:
What is the Gettysburg Address in APUSH?
Answer:
The Gettysburg Address is a renowned speech by Abraham Lincoln, delivered on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Question 2:
What is the historical significance of the Gettysburg Address in APUSH?
Answer:
The Gettysburg Address cemented Lincoln’s legacy as a rhetorician and patriot. It became a defining moment in the Civil War, rallying support for the Union cause and emphasizing the importance of democracy, equality, and the preservation of the nation.
Question 3:
How does the Gettysburg Address relate to APUSH curriculum?
Answer:
The Gettysburg Address is a central document in the study of American history in APUSH. It provides insights into the ideologies of the Civil War era, including the nature of the conflict, the meaning of freedom and equality, and the evolution of American national identity.
Thanks for sticking with me through this Gettysburg Address deep dive! I hope you found it informative and engaging. If you’re interested in more APUSH content, feel free to swing by again. I’ll be here, ready to help you conquer the Advanced Placement United States History exam. Until then, keep on learning and exploring the fascinating tapestry of American history!