Final answer:
The correct answer is 87 years, referring to the time from the Declaration of Independence to the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the historical context of liberty and equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of years referred to in the first line of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is 87 years. When Lincoln starts with “Four score and seven years ago,” a 'score' is equal to 20 years, so four score (4 x 20) equals 80 years, plus an additional 7 years totals 87 years. This period of time references the span from the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to the time of the Gettysburg Address in 1863, marking the historical context Lincoln invoked to emphasize the principles of liberty and equality upon which the United States was founded.
The Gettysburg Address is a significant moment in American history, recognized for its powerful and enduring message regarding the nation's dedication to principles of freedom and the sacrifices made during the Civil War. The speech's brevity, its profound meaning, and its eloquence contribute to its lasting impact and reverence.