Question
In the lesson, you explored the process of critically reading primary documents to learn about U.S. history. Think about the exercises in the lesson where you were asked to find the meaning in the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution.
Use this knowledge to analyze a historical document and complete the written assignment below.
The Gettysburg Address (1863)
Part 1
Read the passage below. Underline words and phrases that you feel are important to understanding the document. In the spaces provided, explain how your selections help you understand the meaning and purpose of each paragraph.
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.
EXPLANATION:
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
EXPLANATION:
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate — we cannot consecrate — we cannot hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
EXPLANATION:
Use this knowledge to analyze a historical document and complete the written assignment below.
The Gettysburg Address (1863)
Part 1
Read the passage below. Underline words and phrases that you feel are important to understanding the document. In the spaces provided, explain how your selections help you understand the meaning and purpose of each paragraph.
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.
EXPLANATION:
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
EXPLANATION:
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate — we cannot consecrate — we cannot hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
EXPLANATION:
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### The Gettysburg Address (1863)
#### Paragraph 1
**Selected Phrases:** "Four score and seven years ago," "our fathers," "new nation," "conceived in Liberty," "dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
**EXPLANATION:**
The phrase "Four score and seven years ago" refers to the time since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, establishing a historical context for the address. "Our fathers" refers to the Founding Fathers of the United States, emphasizing a connection to those who established the nation’s ideals. The term "new nation" signifies the establishment of the United States, reflecting on its revolutionary beginnings. "Conceived in Liberty" highlights the foundational value of freedom. Finally, "dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" encapsulates the core democratic ideal of equality, asserting that this principle is central to the nation's identity and purpose.
#### Paragraph 2
**Selected Phrases:** "great civil war," "testing whether that nation... can long endure," "great battle-field of that war," "final resting place," "that nation might live," "altogether fitting and proper."
**EXPLANATION:**
The phrase "great civil war" indicates the significant conflict that is taking place, which was a struggle not only for the Union but also for the fundamental values upon which the nation was built. "Testing whether that nation... can long endure" reflects the existential stakes of the war, questioning the survival of the nation itself. "Great battle-field of that war" situates the speech within a specific historical context, recognizing the significance of the location (Gettysburg) and its association with sacrifice. "Final resting place" underscores the somber nature of the occasion, honoring those who died for the nation's principles, while "altogether fitting and proper" asserts the importance of commemorating their sacrifice through dedication.
#### Paragraph 3
**Selected Phrases:** "in a larger sense," "we cannot dedicate... we cannot consecrate... we cannot hallow," "the brave men, living and dead," "the world will little note," "unfinished work," "great task," "last full measure of devotion," "new birth of freedom," "government of the people, by the people, for the people."
**EXPLANATION:**
The phrase "in a larger sense" indicates a shift from a focus on the physical act of dedication to a moral and ideological interpretation. "We cannot dedicate... we cannot consecrate... we cannot hallow" highlights the limitations of words and actions in the face of the immense sacrifice made by the soldiers, emphasizing their heroism. "The brave men, living and dead," acknowledges both those who fought and those who fell, creating a sense of collective national identity and reverence. "The world will little note" suggests humility, indicating that the speaker believes the soldiers' actions will hold greater significance than his words. The "unfinished work" and "great task" imply a call to action for the living to continue the fight for liberty and equality. The phrase "last full measure of devotion" honors the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldiers. Finally, "new birth of freedom" and "government of the people, by the people, for the people" encapsulate the vision of a nation reborn through the sacrifice made, reaffirming the foundational democratic principles that the war seeks to protect and ensure for future generations. This powerful conclusion emphasizes the ongoing struggle for democracy and equality, making a moral imperative for the living to honor the legacy of those who died.
#### Paragraph 1
**Selected Phrases:** "Four score and seven years ago," "our fathers," "new nation," "conceived in Liberty," "dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
**EXPLANATION:**
The phrase "Four score and seven years ago" refers to the time since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, establishing a historical context for the address. "Our fathers" refers to the Founding Fathers of the United States, emphasizing a connection to those who established the nation’s ideals. The term "new nation" signifies the establishment of the United States, reflecting on its revolutionary beginnings. "Conceived in Liberty" highlights the foundational value of freedom. Finally, "dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" encapsulates the core democratic ideal of equality, asserting that this principle is central to the nation's identity and purpose.
#### Paragraph 2
**Selected Phrases:** "great civil war," "testing whether that nation... can long endure," "great battle-field of that war," "final resting place," "that nation might live," "altogether fitting and proper."
**EXPLANATION:**
The phrase "great civil war" indicates the significant conflict that is taking place, which was a struggle not only for the Union but also for the fundamental values upon which the nation was built. "Testing whether that nation... can long endure" reflects the existential stakes of the war, questioning the survival of the nation itself. "Great battle-field of that war" situates the speech within a specific historical context, recognizing the significance of the location (Gettysburg) and its association with sacrifice. "Final resting place" underscores the somber nature of the occasion, honoring those who died for the nation's principles, while "altogether fitting and proper" asserts the importance of commemorating their sacrifice through dedication.
#### Paragraph 3
**Selected Phrases:** "in a larger sense," "we cannot dedicate... we cannot consecrate... we cannot hallow," "the brave men, living and dead," "the world will little note," "unfinished work," "great task," "last full measure of devotion," "new birth of freedom," "government of the people, by the people, for the people."
**EXPLANATION:**
The phrase "in a larger sense" indicates a shift from a focus on the physical act of dedication to a moral and ideological interpretation. "We cannot dedicate... we cannot consecrate... we cannot hallow" highlights the limitations of words and actions in the face of the immense sacrifice made by the soldiers, emphasizing their heroism. "The brave men, living and dead," acknowledges both those who fought and those who fell, creating a sense of collective national identity and reverence. "The world will little note" suggests humility, indicating that the speaker believes the soldiers' actions will hold greater significance than his words. The "unfinished work" and "great task" imply a call to action for the living to continue the fight for liberty and equality. The phrase "last full measure of devotion" honors the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldiers. Finally, "new birth of freedom" and "government of the people, by the people, for the people" encapsulate the vision of a nation reborn through the sacrifice made, reaffirming the foundational democratic principles that the war seeks to protect and ensure for future generations. This powerful conclusion emphasizes the ongoing struggle for democracy and equality, making a moral imperative for the living to honor the legacy of those who died.