Which speech by President Lincoln is known for its emphasis on the meaning of the Civil War?

The Gettysburg Address is known for its profound emphasis on the meaning of the Civil War. Delivered on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, it articulated the principles of human equality and the importance of preserving the Union. In just a few short paragraphs, Lincoln reinforced the idea that the war was not just a struggle for the Union, but also a test of whether a nation dedicated to liberty could endure.

He framed the conflict as a means to ensure that democracy would survive, famously stating that the war was a "new birth of freedom." This address captured the essence of the war's purpose, linking it to the broader ideals of nationhood and the struggle for equality, making it a pivotal moment in American history that resonated far beyond its immediate context.

Other speeches, such as the Emancipation Proclamation, focused more specifically on abolishing slavery, while inaugural addresses addressed various issues for the nation at large, but it was the Gettysburg Address that encapsulated the larger significance of the Civil War and the spirit of the nation.