Gettysburg Address
Definition
A brief speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Explanation
The Gettysburg Address was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, four months after the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the Civil War's most significant battles. Though only 272 words long, the speech is considered one of the most eloquent and important addresses in American history. Lincoln used the occasion to redefine the Civil War as a struggle for human equality and democratic principles, beginning with the phrase four score and seven years ago, referencing the Declaration of Independence. The speech emphasizes that the United States was founded on the principle that all people are created equal and calls for a new birth of freedom. The Gettysburg Address transformed the Civil War's meaning from a battle for union into a struggle for human liberty and democratic government.
Why this matters for your test
The Gettysburg Address is an iconic American speech that often appears on the USCIS civics test. You should understand its significance and recognize key phrases from this important document.
Source: USCIS 128 Civics Questions (2025)