Lincoln's Gettysburg Address & Equality

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address & Context

• Lincoln's mood shifted dramatically after victories at Gettysburg (July 1, 1863) and Vicksburg (July 4, 1863)

• The twin victories, occurring on the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, evoked a profound sense of national pride and historical significance for Lincoln.

• A large crowd gathered in Washington D.C. and demanded a speech from the President.

Lincoln's Understanding of Equality

• Lincoln believed in the fundamental equality of all men, as defined by the Declaration of Independence.

• He understood this equality as equal possession of inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and self-advancement, regardless of individual circumstances.

• Lincoln considered American democracy a grand experiment, aiming to prove that self-government was a viable system.

The Challenge of Slavery

• The existence of chattel slavery contradicted the principles of equality and democratic ideals.

• Lincoln emphasized that the US founding fathers intended the eventual abolishment of slavery.

• The Constitution contained compromises and omissions about slavery, anticipating its eventual demise.

• However, slavery persisted and became a major threat to the experiment of popular government.

Lincoln's Perspective on Secession

• Lincoln viewed Southern secession as an illegitimate act of rebellion against democratic principles.

• He warned that the Southern Confederacy was founded on a rejection of democracy and constitutional rights.

Gettysburg Address and the Larger Question

• Lincoln viewed the Battle of Gettysburg as a crucial moment in the struggle between democracy and tyranny.

• Lincoln's Gettysburg Address prioritized the "unfinished work" of the Union soldiers, calling for a dedication to the ideals of democracy.

• The speech focused on the larger implications of the sacrifice and the meaning of the nation's founding principles.

• Lincoln proposed a vision of a renewed nation dedicated to the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

• He saw Gettysburg as a crucial step toward the survival of democracy and a re-affirmation of the nation's principles.

Explore Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and his profound understanding of equality in the context of American democracy. This quiz delves into Lincoln's reflections after the significant victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, emphasizing his belief in the inalienable rights of all men and the challenges posed by slavery. Test your knowledge of one of America's pivotal historical speeches.