Compare And Contrast Gettysburg Address And Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

In Abraham Lincoln’s speeches, The Gettysburg Address and The Second Inaugural Address, he describes America’s values while also conveying his message of reuniting the Union and fighting towards a lasting peace. After the battle at Gettysburg, Lincoln wrote The Gettysburg Address to remember the lives lost and to keep fighting for those who were still alive. The Second Inaugural Address was also constructed by Lincoln after he was reelected as president. In his second speech, he was driven towards reunifying a broken nation while also providing answers regarding the tragic Civil War. In both speeches, he incorporates American values, dating back to the founding fathers as a reminder to the people to not forget their origins. Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln constructs America’s most important values into one speech, The Gettysburg Address in hopes of restoring the nation’s spirits during a harrowing time. When the Union feels hopeless and low-spirited, he acts as a leader, remaining strong and continuing to instill patriotism through the nation. After a horrific battle , Lincoln writes his speech to reinstill pride and respect within the nation, saying “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” (Lincoln 298). Abraham Lincoln incorporates pride and respect in The Gettysburg Address to uplift the nation after a grueling time; he uses pathos to spread his message and offer condolences towards the fallen soldiers. Writing his speech in the cemetery is symbolic for the nation and reminds them the importance of respecting the fallen soldiers; as the living, they can honor the dead by continuing the freedom fight. Starting The Gettysburg Address,

He also expresses that for peace, there must be reconstruction and healing for the country; it was no longer a matter of fighting, but to put aside any hatred. At one point in his speech, he compares the Union and Confederates, saying “Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other” (Lincoln 302). Accountability is a unique American value that Lincoln addresses because he blames both the Confederates and the Union for the war; comparing each side of the war shows the people that they are much similar than they think. He reads his speech in the United States Capitol, symbolizing the American people; it shows that they are one united nation, even with their differences. Finishing the The Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln expresses his desire for an end to the war and urges the people, “... to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves and with all nations” (Lincoln 302). According to Lincoln, peace is the value that America cherishes most because without peace amongst its people, there cannot be peace with other countries. Being a divided country affects more than just the American people, it affects the government and its relationships with outside nations. Abraham Lincoln searches for America’s core values during the war’s trying time to bring the people out of fear,