Abraham Lincoln: Gettysburg Address Essay

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, summed up the ideals that would go on to shape one of the most powerful nations of the world. Although President Lincoln’s speech was about ten lines, in which he delivered in two minutes, he moved not just the people who had gathered for the honoring of the soldiers who bravely gave their lives in Gettysburg while fighting for freedom, but also people across the globe. In ten lines the President spoke not only about American independence, but about freedom in general. Lincoln addressed the people, by saying it was their job as a whole to continue the soldiers job to make sure this nation remains a democracy with the set beliefs on liberty and equality. He stressed the fact that liberty and equality were the core components for this rising nation; they needed to consider the lives lost in the attempt to unite the nation from what divide it and pay tribute to the brave soldiers. Lincoln emphasized on the fact that the Gettysburg Address may be forgotten in time, but not the soldiers who willingly laid down their lives for a better tomorrow. He urged the gathering to take up the cause and complete the task at hand, to make sure democracy would remain in a government â€Å"of the people, by the people, and for the people†. The speech by Abraham Lincoln, in a way defined the Civil War by centering it on the nations belief system and democracy instead of separating the north from the south. See more: Social process essay He broadcasted the struggle as one meant to witness the rebirth of freedom and people’s power over the state. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the civil war, making the battlefield a burial ground for hundreds of soldiers. Its significance lies in the fact that Lincoln’s war effort challenged the outcome that otherwise seemed in favor of the south. The importance of the Gettysburg Address sent the individuality of the nation’s commitment to democracy like punch or blow to the opposition. Lincoln had effectively made the people aware of their rights and declared the government accountable to the people. He redefined democracy as by the citizens’ will and not some property of the state legislatures. The Gettysburg Address now finds its place on the south wall of the Lincoln Memorial. It is an inseparable part of numerous works in popular culture, designed for present-day audiences. Democracies around the world have now adopted the definition of democracyfrom the very words of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln may have passed on, but his words still live in the hearts of many, inspiring and preaching to them the values of democracy as they strive towards better futures for their nations in attempt to base them on the values stated of liberty and equality.