what was the purpose of the Gettysburg Address?

Answer 1

The Gettysburg Address was given at the Dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. It was almost an afterthought by President Lincoln who was not the keynote speaker for the event. The original purpose of the address was simply to close the proceedings and honor the soldiers who died there.

The eloquence and sincerity of Lincolns writing is what has made it stand up through time as an important speech.

Answer 2

I still consider it a great masterpiece of the times....

In this address by Linlcoln, there was not an once of, "hatred, not a hint of vindictiveness, nor a trace of vengeful judgment." Lincoln rose to the occasion and paid an unforgettable tribute to those who had lost their lives and with great care expressed his, "deepest and most dominant sentiments to the people." His concern was for the current testing of democracy, hoping to prove that government by the people could succeed. Lincoln after a great battle began to heal wounds. Above all Lincoln showed that, "it is only by constructive deeds of living men that the sacrifice of the dead can have value."

Answer 3

I agree with the previous answers, but would also add that it showed that Abraham Lincoln understood the magnitude not only of the conflict, but this particular battle, thus giving it great import in US history.

Answer 4

"We are met here on a battlefield of that war. We are here to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who died that that nation may live". THAT was the purpose of the address.

Answer 5

Well after you just declared war w/o the consent of Congress and get 58,000 people to kill each other over the course of three days, you better say something.

Answer 6

To explain to the world why the war was being fought and to recognize the sacrifices made on each side.

Answer 7

I think he was cutting the ribbon at a cemetery.