Importance of the address at the time and its resonance in todays world - Essay Example

The Importance of the Gettysburg Address At the time that Abraham Lincoln delivered his speech at Gettysburg, America was reeling from the effect ofthe civil war between the north and south. The slaves had also just been granted freedom and the country was divided and broken in terms of beliefs, ideology, and spirit. It was because of the hurt that the nation was feeling as a whole that the Gettysburg address of Lincoln gained much importance in American history. In his speech, Lincoln acknowledged that the country was entering a new phase of existence as a country.

The effects of the war was going to linger for some time as the country itself needed to rebuilt and develop a new sense of trust and camaraderie among states. Lincoln felt the need to make it clear that now that the war was over a new type of freedom and unity needed to exist in America. A freedom that would bring equality and and a unified nation to the people. Lincoln, in a speech less than 300 words long and just over 2 minutes managed to redefine governance in the country in relation to the Declaration of Independence and the birth of a new nation that espoused equality for all the citizens of the land.

In effect, Lincoln, informed the people that the time had come for a new government to take the lead in the country and how exactly he felt it should be done. In a country that was looking for leadership and governance, his speech was the beacon of guidance that every American was looking and waiting for.