Gettysburg Address
Who Abraham Lincoln Northern audience Soldiers at memorial Estimated 15,000 people
What Commemoration speech 272 words (around 2 minutes speaking) Message to the people of the US
When November 19, 1863 Middle of war. Still about 2 years from end Just 4 months after the Battle of Gettysburg Middle of war. Still about 2 years from end
Where Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery
Why Dedicate the cemetery Honor union soldiers and their bravery in war Emphasize equality as stated in the Declaration of Independence A “rebirth” of freedom Stressing that the Civil War was a a fight for all humans, and not just the Union
Were they right? If they were wrong, how do you think they made that mistake? How can we predict what speeches or events are going to become historical? If you had to think back on your life and choose an event that would make history what would it be?
Writing Prompts (Due Wednesday) Write a persuasive paper either defending the Gettysburg Address as one of the best speeches in American history, or arguing that it was not. You may use your rubric for examples of its greatness as an oration, but make sure to also speak to the context and historicity of the event too. Imagine that you were in attendance of the Gettysburg Address. Write a narration that includes your reaction to the oratory as well as breaking down what the speech says to you as someone living in during the Civil War.