what did the last sentnce of the gettsburg address mean
The last sentence of the Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, states: "that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
This sentence encapsulates the central message of Lincoln's speech, which was to honor and commemorate the fallen soldiers who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The phrase "new birth of freedom" refers to the idea that through the sacrifices made in the war, the United States would overcome its divisions and achieve a renewed sense of unity and equality.
The sentence further emphasizes the importance of a government that is created and operated by the people for the people. Lincoln is expressing his belief that a truly democratic government, one that serves the interests of its citizens, is essential for the preservation of the nation. He is affirming that such a government should be sustained and not allowed to disappear from the Earth.
Overall, the last sentence of the Gettysburg Address reflects Lincoln's hope for a united, free, and democratic nation that would continue to thrive and endure. It encapsulates his vision for the future of the United States and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a government that is accountable to the people it represents.