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Why does Lincoln open with an allusion to the Declaration of Independence?

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent,
a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all
men are created equal.

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Answer:

Lincoln references the Declaration indirectly by characterizing the Civil War as a "new birth of freedom" (with the Declaration being the first birth of freedom.)

Step-by-step explanation:

User Brendan W
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Answer:

More generally, Lincoln references the Declaration indirectly by characterizing the Civil War as a "new birth of freedom" (with the Declaration being the first birth of freedom.) Furthermore, Lincoln's references to government by the people echo some of the liberal rhetoric of the Declaration.

User David Thornley
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