AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Gettysburg Address (Day 141/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the Gettysburg Address as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Battle of Gettysburg, Wikimedia Commons

After three days of ferocious engagement at the Battle of Gettysburg, more than 50,000 Americans were dead or wounded. A few months later, Lincoln delivered one of his most famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address, to dedicate the cemetery.

Gettysburg Address, Wikimedia Commons

In just 272 words, Lincoln connected to the founding of the nation and emphasized the importance of maintaining a commitment to equality and liberty.

Abraham Lincoln, Wikimedia Commons

With just one year until the election of 1864, Lincoln was facing significant northern opposition and waning support for the war effort. In fact in the months after Gettysburg, a growing number of Northern Democrats were advocating for peace with the Confederacy. 

Lincoln at Gettysburg, Wikimedia Commons

By stressing that the living must ensure that the sacrifices of the soldiers were not in vain, he reinvigorated citizens to continue in the struggle and commit to the responsibility of upholding democratic values.

The Gettysburg Address redefined the war as a struggle for freedom and equality for all. Lincoln inspired the Union to continue to fight and be unwavering in their commitment to unity.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Lincoln and Federal Policies in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!