The battle at Gettysburg is considered to be one of the most significant and bloodiest battles of The Civil War. There were great losses on both sides and so, it has become a memorable moment in the history of the United States. It is also significant because president Abraham Lincoln gave a speech that became instilled in time and is thought to be one of the most powerful and influential speeches of the States. It serves as a reminder and basis for all those who fight for freedom and equality.
The Battle of Gettysburg took place on 1st to 3rd of July, 1863 and is regarded as a turning point in The Civil War. The army of General Lee was defeated and the further continuation of Gettysburg Company was halted. During the three days of battle North Virginian army lost more than 20000 men.
The fighting force of General Lee was exhausted and the danger of the federal army giving a counter strike was at hand. Lee had to withdraw his troops into a defense position and wait for the attack of Meade but the attack did not follow. After General Lee realized there will be no attack, he decided to withdraw.
The outcome was important because in case the South would have won the battle, they had a good chance to direct an attack on Washington, which was an easy target at the time. But the loss of the South had resulted in a major fall back. It lost many men and resources and so, was unable to continue with the same determination. The Union had a much better chance to replenish its resources and troops, creating all the conditions to continue the war (Ashby 37).
Abraham Lincoln’s address was a memorable one because it was short but at the same time powerful and heartfelt. The president mentions in his speech that it will not be remembered throughout time and that anything said is really incomparable to the losses and devastation that American people have suffered.
Lincoln mentioned the equality of people and referred to the war as the fight for freedom and the unity of the country in the search for better life (Olson 19). His speech pays tribute to the soldiers that lost their lives in battle and this shows that the president’s primary care was not in who was on which side but in people and his sorrow for the men who have lost their lives to the great cause. Even in the beginning of war, it was clear that he used every chance to avoid it and has only proceeded because there was no other choice.
It is memorable when he says that men who are present will never forget this moment and it is up to the future of these men and generations to follow to remember this moment and base the conditions of better life on the lessons that history teaches (McRaney 4). From the speech it is evident that Abraham Lincoln was a great leader but at the same time he was understanding of people, human emotions and forces that sometimes governed the worst events.
The Civil War left a great mark on the United States and American people. It has become a part of history that people can learn from and strive to avoid such horrific events from happening again.
Works Cited
Ashby, Ruth. Gettysburg, North Mankato, United States: Black Rabbit Books, 2002. Print.
McRaney, Amanda. The Gettysburg Address, New York, United States: Benchmark Education Company, 2007. Print.
Olson, Steven. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: A Primary Source Investigation, New York, United States: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2004. Print.