AF101

American Facts 101

History and civics

Glossary term

Gettysburg Address

1863 speech by Abraham Lincoln redefining the Civil War as a fight for equality and liberty.

Historical context

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in the American Civil War between the Union and Confederate armies in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle, won by the Union, is widely considered the Civil War's turning point, leading to an ultimate victory of the Union and the preservation of the nation.