Question

Read the excerpt from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

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. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—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.

What is Lincoln’s purpose in the excerpt?

to thank the families of soldiers for their support

to describe the varied lives of fallen soldiers

to encourage young citizens to enlist in the military

to rally emotional support for a unified country

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

To rally emotional support for a unified country.

The Gettysburg Address by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was delivered during the American Civil War at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Pennsylvania. It became one of the most famous statements of the national purpose. In it, Lincoln described the sacrifices of those who died at Gettysburg in defense of their principles and urged his listeners to fight as well for a unified country.