Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln
Delivered during the American Civil War at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery, four months after the Union victory at Gettysburg. Lincoln was not the main speaker—Edward Everett spoke for two hours before him. Lincoln's address lasted just over two minutes yet became the most quoted speech in American history.
Speech Structure
Opening proposition
Four score and seven years ago—establishes founding principles and timeline
Present crisis
Now we are engaged in a great civil war—frames the current struggle
Immediate purpose
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field—acknowledges the ceremony
Philosophical pivot
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—shifts to deeper meaning
Call to action
It is for us the living to be dedicated—transfers duty to the audience
Vision statement
Government of the people, by the people, for the people—defines democratic purpose
Rhetorical Techniques
Anaphora
"We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow"
Creates rhythmic emphasis on human limitation before sacred sacrifice
Antithesis
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here"
Contrasts words versus actions, ironically making his words unforgettable
Tricolon
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people"
Creates memorable definition of democracy through rhythmic repetition
Biblical cadence
"Four score and seven years ago"
Elevates language to sacred register, linking founding to scripture
Paradox
"These dead shall not have died in vain"
Transforms death into purpose and meaning
Key Quotes
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here."
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Delivery Analysis
Pace
Slow and deliberate, allowing each phrase to land with weight
Tone
High, clear voice carrying deep emotion while maintaining composure
Pauses
Strategic pauses between sections created natural emphasis; brevity shocked audience
Gestures
Minimal movement; Lincoln relied on vocal delivery and the power of his words
Why It Works
Extreme brevity
272 words distilled complex ideas into unforgettable essence
Reframing purpose
Transformed a cemetery dedication into a renewal of national ideals
Future orientation
Shifted focus from mourning the dead to inspiring the living
Universal principles
Connected specific battle to timeless democratic values
Humble authority
Diminished his own role while elevating the audience responsibility
Lessons for Your Speech
Brevity amplifies impact
Say less to mean more—272 words outlasted a two-hour oration
Reframe the occasion
Use immediate events to address universal principles
Transfer responsibility
Make the audience the heroes, not yourself
Use sacred language sparingly
Biblical cadence elevates ordinary moments to historical significance
End with vision, not summary
Close with what must be done, not what was said
Legacy & Impact
Considered the greatest speech in American history. Redefined the Civil War as a struggle for equality, not just union. The phrase government of the people, by the people, for the people became the global definition of democracy. Memorized by American schoolchildren for generations. Influenced every major American political speech since.
Quick facts
- Speaker
- Abraham Lincoln
- Year
- 1863
- Category
- political
- Words
- 272
- Duration
- 2 min
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