Question

Read the following excerpt from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Consider what you know of the historical context in which Lincoln delivered the speech. Then pick the option below that is most accurate.

FOURSCORE and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

A. He was speaking only to those present, and only about the battlefield.
B. He was speaking to those present and also to the nation at large (who would read his words) and wanted to discuss the battlefield and also the issue of freeing southern slaves.
C. He was speaking only to the dead soldiers.
D. He was not aware that anyone would pay attention to his words.

Answer 1

He was speaking to those present and also to the nation at large (who would read his words) and wanted to discuss the battlefield and also the issue of freeing southern slaves.

Answer 2

B. He was speaking to those present and also to the nation at large (who would read his words) and wanted to discuss the battlefield and also the issue of freeing southern slaves.

Step-by-step explanation:

Althought he was referring to a time in the past, Lincoln was addressing the citizens present at the time to participate as a whole nation. His main concern with the speech was to convince others about his ideas of men and their nature, even to those that were ensalved at the time.