This episode of Civil War Journal examines the impact of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Composed for the dedication of a soldiers' cemetery at the Gettysburg Battlefield, Lincoln's Gettysburg address remains one of the most important documents in American history. The short address, which took Lincoln only two minutes to deliver, succeeded in clarifying the aim of the Union Army-the preservation of the Union and that the "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln and Gettysburg would be useful for classes on American History, Civil War History, American Culture, Political Science and Civics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Lincoln and Gettysburg

Vocabulary

• riveted
• distraught
• carnage
• apex
• perennial
• eloquent
• secular
• consecrate
• validate
• hallowed
• floundering
• status quo
• orator
• annals
• consequence
• reminiscent
• genesis
• beleaguered
• metaphor
• transient

Discussion Questions

1. The Gettysburg Address is one of the most important documents in American history. Why was President Lincoln's address so important? What was the essential quality of the address?
2. The Civil War caused more American casualties than any other American war. It tore the country in two, and inflicted wounds that took decades to heal. What were the causes of the Civil War? Why were the North and South so willing to engage in war to preserve their causes?
3. President Lincoln believed that the Union should be saved at all costs. How did the Gettysburg Address reflect Lincoln's views?
4. What was the irony of the Battle of Gettysburg being fought on July 4?
5. Discuss the role of oratory in nineteenth century politics. Why was it so essential and so popular?
6. Why was President Lincoln invited to speak at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery?
7. In January of 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Why did he issue this proclamation? What were some of the reactions around the country to this proclamation?
8. The Civil War is the first American war to be photographed. What was the role of the new science of photography in the Civil War?
9. Discuss how President Lincoln uses moral force to make his appeal for the preservation of the Union in the Gettysburg Address.

Extended Activities

1. Design two recruitment posters, one for the North and one for the South, to encourage soldiers to enlist. How would the posters differ? What would you stress for each side?
2. Divide the class into two sections, North and South, and moderate a debate on the causes of the Civil War.
3. Design a memorial for the soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Gettysburg.