Final answer:
Abraham Lincoln's use of 'fourscore and seven years ago' was a rhetorical choice to evoke the historical importance of the American Revolution and link it to the Civil War, highlighting the nation's founding ideals of liberty and equality. It served to deepen the meaning of his address and foster unity during a period of great division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Lincoln Used 'Fourscore and Seven' in the Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln's choice to use the phrase "fourscore and seven years ago" rather than a specific date such as 1776 was a deliberate rhetorical strategy. By using this biblical and poetic phrasing, Lincoln sought to evoke the historical significance of the American Revolution and draw a direct connection to the Civil War period.
This phrase not only anchored the address in a hallowed past but also emphasized the continuity of American values of liberty and equality from the nation's founding through the tremendous sacrifice experienced at Gettysburg.
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was delivered during the dedication of the Soldiers' National Ceremony, recognizing the immense sacrifices made on the battlefield. The reference to "fourscore and seven years ago" aligned the principles fought for in the Revolution with those of the Civil War—liberty and equality. In doing so, Lincoln provided not just a reminder of the country's founding ideals but also a unifying narrative that added gravitas and poetic weight to a pivotal moment in American history, as the nation struggled to define its identity and future.
Furthermore, Lincoln's eloquent choice of language also highlighted the struggle for freedom and questioned whether a nation founded on such principles could endure the trials of civil war. His address commemorated those who had fallen and sought to inspire the living to continue the fight to preserve a government "of the people, by the people, for the people." The phrase "fourscore and seven years ago" has since become iconic, underscoring the lasting power and beauty of the Gettysburg Address in the American consciousness.