USA HISTORY

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR(1861 1865)

GETTYSBURG ADDRESS

[SOURCES]
What does “to hallow this ground” mean?

(A) To dig up a grave

(B) To build a statue

(C) ** To commemorate those who died

(D) To fly an American flag

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -According to Lincoln, why are they unable to “dedicate, ” “consecrate, ” or “hallow” the battlefield? Because they can’t honor it as much as the soldiers declared it sacred. The ground already was dedicated and hallow by those who took part in the battle especially those who died.

Concept note-2: -What is the main purpose of the Gettysburg Address? The main purpose of the Gettysburg Address at the time it was given was to commemorate a new National Cemetery at Gettysburg. It also gave Lincoln’s purpose for pushing on to win the Civil War-the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the Union.

Concept note-3: -Lincoln’s address lasted just two or three minutes. The speech reflected his redefined belief that the Civil War was not just a fight to save the Union, but a struggle for freedom and equality for all, an idea Lincoln had not championed in the years leading up to the war.