7. 1787
SLAVERY
"We have the wolf by the ears; and we can neither
hold him, nor safely let him go.” Thomas Jefferson
1776
9. Lincoln’s 1855 letter to his close friend, Joshua Speed:
“You know I dislike slavery, and you fully admit the
abstract wrong of it. So far there is no cause of
difference. But you say that sooner than yield your legal
right to the slave... you would like to see the Union
dissolved...
I also acknowledge your rights and
my obligations under the Constitution
in regard to your slaves [yet] I confess
I hate to see the poor creatures
hunted down and caught and carried
back to their stripes and unrequited
toil; but I bite my lips and keep
quiet... You ought rather to
appreciate how much the great body
of the Northern people do crucify
their feelings, in order to maintain
their loyalty to the Constitution and
the Union.”
10. Lincoln (1855 letter to a Kentucky friend):
“Can we, as a nation, continue together
permanently—forever—half slave and half
free?”
Lincoln (1857 speech):
“A house divided against
itself cannot stand... I
believe the government
cannot endure
permanently half slave
and half free.”
12. “The new [Confederate]
Constitution has set at rest
for ever all agitating
questions relating to our
peculiar institution—African
slavery as it exists among us
—the proper state of the
negro in our form of
civilization.”
Alexander Stephens
Quit as U.S. Senator,
Became Vice-President,
Confederate States of America
March 21, 1861
13. PROPOSITION, n. s as z. [L. propositio, from
propositus, propono.]
– In logic, part of an argument in which some quality,
negative or positive, is attributed to a subject.
– In mathematics, a statement in terms of a truth to be
demonstrated.
– In oratory, that which is affirmed as the subject of the
discourse.
Webster’s 19th C. Dictionary
14. “We hold these
truths to be selfevident, that all men
are created equal.”
Equality
Slavery
“the negro is not equal to the
white man; slavery—
subordination to the superior
race—is his natural and
normal condition.”
The Clash of Propositions
15. SLAVERY
“This was the immediate
cause of the late rupture,
and present revolution.
Jefferson in his forecast had
anticipated this as the rock
upon which the old Union
would split. He was right.”
Alexander Stephens
Vice-President,
Confederate States of America
1861
16. . Lincoln elected
1860
.
SC out .
.
CSA formed . Lincoln inaugurated
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
CO
NF
ED
ER
AT
E
Time Line
1861
U
.
.
.
.
.
N
IO
1862
.
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.
N
1863
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
18. .
.
SC out .
Lincoln elected 1860
.
CSA formed . Lincoln inaugurated
.
.
Ft. Sumter*
1 Manassas*
st
.
.
.
.
.
1861
.
.
.
. Ft. Donelson*
U
.
N
.
IO
. Shiloh* New Orleans*
CO
.
N
Seven Days* .
1862
.
NF
2nd Manassas* . . Antietam*
ED
.
.
ER
Fredericksburg* . Emancipation Proclamation
AT
.
.
E
.
1863
Chancellorsville* .
.
.
.
.
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Significant Battles*
.
Time Line
19. .
.
1860
.
.
.
.
.
.
st
1 Manassas* . .
Ft. Sumter*
VI
C
.
.
1861
.
.
.
.
.
.
VI
C
TO
RI
ES
U
N IN
IO T
N HE
1862
.
CO
.
Seven Days* .
TO N
.
FE
2 Manassas* . . Antietam*
RI
.
ES DE
.
Fredericksburg* .
RA
IN
.
TE
.
TH
.
Chancellorsville* .
E
EA
ST
nd
Time Line
Significant Battles*
.
?
.
.
.
.
EA
ST
1863
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20. .
.
1860
.
.
.
.
.
.
st
1 Manassas* . .
Ft. Sumter*
VI
C
.
.
1861
.
.
.
.
.
.
VI
C
TO
RI
ES
U
N IN
IO T
N HE
1862
.
CO
.
Seven Days* .
TO N
.
FE
2 Manassas* . . Antietam*
RI
.
ES DE
.
Fredericksburg* .
RA
IN
.
TE
.
TH
.
Chancellorsville* .
E
EA
ST
nd
Time Line
Significant Battles*
.
EA
ST
1863
. Gettysburg*
.
.
.
.
Gettysburg Address
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
30. The White House
Transcontinental railroad issues...
Sensitive diplomatic affairs...
Preparation of message to Congress...
Key elections in Maryland...
Visits from state government officials...
Public order in Louisiana...
Developing Reconstruction plans...
“...his public duties are so pressing...”
Gen. Meade at the Rappahannock...
Selecting commanders for USCT...
Efforts to invade Texas...
Dispute with Gen. Rosecrans...
Gen. Burnside’s retreat to Knoxville...
Gen. Sherman on the march...
Attempted retaking of Ft. Sumter...
Gen. Grant ready toWar Department
The attack Chattanooga...
The War Department
31. Mary was hysterical
that Taddie was ill
in bed and Abraham
was thinking of
going to Gettysburg.
Lincoln himself was ill and was quarantined
for nearly 3 weeks upon returning.
Lincoln’s valet
died from
scarlet fever
after returning
from
Gettysburg.
36. Fewer than 300 words
Only 9 sentences
Less than 3 minutes
37. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
38. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
39. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
40. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
41. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
42. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
43. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
44. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
45. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
46. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
47. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
48. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
49. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
50. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
51. KEY
REPEATED
WORDS
AND
CONCEPTS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
52. SIMPLE
WORDS
LONGER
DIFFICULT
WORDS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
53. Three-quarters of the words are one syllable!
92% have no more than two syllables!
The only words with as many as 10 letters:
“proposition”
“altogether”
“dedicated”
“consecrated”
54. fathers brought forth on
lace this Four score aand seven years ago ourin Liberty, and dedicated to
P
continent, new nation, conceived
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
LOCAL
FOCUS nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
55. LOCAL
FOCUS
NATIONAL
ISSUE
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
56. LOCAL
FOCUS
NATIONAL
ISSUE
GLOBAL
SCOPE
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
57. me
Ti PAST
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
58. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
PAST this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
NEAR PAST nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
59. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
PAST this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
NEAR PAST nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
PRESENT
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
60. PAST
NEAR PAST
PRESENT
NEAR
FUTURE
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
61. PAST
NEAR PAST
PRESENT
NEAR
FUTURE
FUTURE
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
62. BIRTH &
LIFE
DEATH &
DYING
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion —that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
63. Imagery of death (battlefield and cemetery)
“those who gave their lives”
“what they did here”
“these honored dead”
Yet imagery of renewal of life
“that that nation might live”
“a new birth of freedom”
64. Imagery of birth, christening, and coming of age
“our fathers”
“conceived”
“brought forth”
“dedicated”
“brave men”
Subtle imagery of marriage
“engaged”
“we are met”
“we have come”
“that cause”
“devotion”
union (implied)
65. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
UNCERnation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
TAINTY
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
66. How precarious is this experiment in freedom?
Can such a nation “long endure” ?
Have they died “in vain” ?
Might a people’s government “perish from
the face of the earth” ?
67. GOD’S
ROLE
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
68. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
WHAT this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
OTHERS the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
DID
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
69. WHAT
OTHERS
DID
WHAT WE
MUST DO
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion— that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
70. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on
this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that
nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those
who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot
consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain—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.
71. The Gettysburg Address shifted the war
effort from just saving the Union to
preserving the principles under which it
was established.
A vibrant democracy of the people.
Liberty for all.
Equality.
73. “It is for us the living to be
dedicated here to the unfinished work....
dedicated to the great task remaining...”
74. “It is for us the living to be
dedicated here to the unfinished work....
dedicated to the great task remaining...”
● Democracy that works.
● Liberty for all.
● Equality.
● In a more perfect
Union.
75. With a Constitution amended to align it with our
Declaration of Independence
13. Slavery abolished
14. Citizenship clarified
15. Voting rights assured
regardless of race
76. Prior to the Civil War, “United States” was commonly
expressed as a plural noun, speaking of
“these United States are...”
But after Lincoln as singular and
truly one in the devotion of its
people to the cause Lincoln
addressed at Gettysburg.