Why Was the Gettysburg Address Written?

Even though the speech given by Abraham Lincoln is probably the most famous speech in American history, you may not know why was the Gettysburg Address written. The occasion was during the Civil War and Lincoln had been asked to say a few words at the dedication of a Cemetery to those that had fallen during the battle. The entire speech took not more than two minute to deliver and yet it has been held up as the greatest one ever given.

The Battle of Gettysburg had occurred more than four month prior to the dedication service, which was meant to honor the more than 7500 dead American soldiers who had fallen in the battle. The total number of troops from both sides was 172,000. The number of dead was surprisingly small but the victory by the Union soldiers was the turning point of the war. The residents of Gettysburg were left with the task of burying the bodies. It was suggested that a cemetery be set aside for the fallen soldiers, however a wealthy lawyer petitioned the Governor of Pennsylvania to fund a National Cemetery to honor the fallen troops. The idea had merit and the state purchased 17 acres of land for the National Cemetery in Gettysburg.

The Dedication Ceremony

The dedication ceremony of the new cemetery was scheduled for November 19, 1863. President Lincoln was invited to attend and say a few words. Why was the Gettysburg Address written? The address was written as the text to be presented by President Lincoln during the dedication. His part in the dedication was only a small portion of the dedication. His part took only two minutes to deliver but made a profound impact on not only those present, but also on history.

His short speech touched on the key idea presented in the Declaration of Independence: all men are created equal. This idea gave the thrust of his words and was the impetus for the North to not falter in the pursuit to keep the country unified. He presented the idea that it is our duty to follow the footsteps of the brave men that died in battle to ensure that the nation of the people, by the people and for the people shall not disappear from the face of the world. Lincoln had written the oration on the back of an envelope as he rode the train to  Gettysburg. There have since then been five drafts of the speech found. They were presented by Lincoln to the recipients either for service or for donations. A copy was presented to each of his secretaries. 

The War Effort

Support for the war effort had been waning in the days before the dedication of the cemetery. One of the other reasons for the Gettysburg Address was to instill a renewed purpose in the hearts of the North to finish the good fight that they had started. To give up the struggle to maintain a united nation would be to signify that the ultimate sacrifice made by all the dead on the battlefield would have been in vain. The final answer to the question, why was the Gettysburg Address written, is that it was necessary to hold the union together in a cohesive body that had a single purpose and single focus. To allow it to disintegrate into petty squabbling would be a huge dishonor to the men that were fighting on both sides and a slap in their face to those fighting for what they believed in. The speech succeeded in binding the people together and defiantly holding on to a nation that was a shining example to the world of a land of freedom and truth. The Gettysburg Address is one of the most remembered actions of Lincoln’s presidency. The words have been engraved into the south wall of the Lincoln Memorial to inspire future generations to hold to the truth of the Declaration of Independence in their own times.