Final answer:
Lincoln's opening lines in the Gettysburg Address effectively connect the Civil War to the nation's founding values of liberty and equality, highlighting the importance of the sacrifices made and reaffirming the purpose of the American democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abraham Lincoln's opening words in the Gettysburg Address are an especially effective way to begin his speech because they establish a strong connection with the nation's past and the principles of the American Revolution. By saying "Four score and seven years ago," Lincoln refers to the 87 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the nation's founding principles of liberty and equality. This reference serves to remind the audience of the original ideals of the United States, setting the stage for his message of national unity and the significance of the sacrifices made by the soldiers at Gettysburg.
Moreover, invoking the memory of the founding fathers and the vision that all men are created equal emphasizes the stakes of the Civil War, framing it as not just a fight to preserve the Union, but as a struggle to fulfill the promise of equality. The speech sought to honor the dead while also inspiring the living to continue fighting for these foundational ideals. Through these words, Lincoln reaffirms the purpose of the American experiment and connects the sacrifices of the soldiers present to the enduring values upon which the country was built.