Gettysburg Address Printable Copy For Educational Use

The Gettysburg Address is one of the most iconic speeches in American history, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War. The speech was given at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where the Battle of Gettysburg had taken place four months earlier. In this article, we will explore the significance of the Gettysburg Address, its key messages, and provide a printable copy for educational use.

The Gettysburg Address is a masterful example of eloquent speechwriting, conveying complex ideas and emotions in a concise and powerful manner. Lincoln's speech lasted just over two minutes, but its impact has endured for centuries. The speech is a testament to Lincoln's exceptional leadership and his ability to inspire and unite the American people during a time of great turmoil.

Key Messages of the Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg Address is a speech that has been extensively analyzed and interpreted, but its core messages remain clear and relevant today. Some of the key themes and ideas presented in the speech include:

The Importance of Equality and Liberty

Lincoln begins the speech by referencing the principles of equality and liberty upon which the United States was founded. He reminds his audience that the country was created to ensure that all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Civil War as a Test of Democracy

Lincoln views the Civil War as a test of whether a democratic government can long endure. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the Union and ensuring that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.

The Significance of the Battle of Gettysburg

Lincoln commemorates the soldiers who have died at Gettysburg, honoring their sacrifice and recognizing the significance of the battle in the larger context of the war. He notes that the Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the war, marking a shift in momentum in favor of the Union.

Printable Copy of the Gettysburg Address

Here is a printable copy of the Gettysburg Address, suitable for educational use:

"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.

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 battlefield 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.

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."

Teaching the Gettysburg Address in the Classroom

The Gettysburg Address is an excellent teaching tool for educators seeking to explore themes of American history, government, and literature. Here are some ideas for teaching the Gettysburg Address in the classroom:

Close Reading and Analysis

Assign students to read the Gettysburg Address closely, analyzing Lincoln's use of language, imagery, and symbolism. Ask them to identify key themes and ideas presented in the speech.

Historical Context

Provide students with historical context about the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. Discuss the significance of the speech in the larger context of the war and its impact on American history.

Writing and Rhetoric

Use the Gettysburg Address as a model for teaching writing and rhetoric. Ask students to analyze Lincoln's use of rhetorical devices, such as metaphor and allusion, and to practice writing their own speeches or essays using similar techniques.

Gallery of Gettysburg Address Images

Gettysburg Address Image Gallery

Conclusion

The Gettysburg Address is a timeless speech that continues to inspire and educate people around the world. Its themes of equality, liberty, and democracy are just as relevant today as they were during the Civil War era. By studying the Gettysburg Address, we can gain a deeper understanding of American history, government, and literature, as well as appreciate the power of eloquent speechwriting. We hope that this article has provided you with a valuable resource for teaching and learning about the Gettysburg Address.