What did the Gettysburg Address emphasize?

The Gettysburg Address emphasized the principles of liberty and equality, which are foundational to American democratic ideals. Delivered by President Abraham Lincoln during the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in 1863, it underscored the significance of the Civil War as a struggle not just for the preservation of the Union but also for the affirmation of the belief that all men are created equal. Lincoln’s speech articulated the notion that the sacrifices made by soldiers at Gettysburg were not in vain; rather, they would lead to a "new birth of freedom." This new freedom aimed to ensure that government "of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

While concepts like national unity, economic growth, and military strategy are relevant in the broader context of the Civil War, they do not capture the primary focus of Lincoln's address, which is dedicated to reiterating the core values of liberty and equality that define the nation. These principles resonate through the speech, reinforcing the idea of a nation committed to democracy and human rights.