ce, it was imperative he provide common ground and unity in order to effectively persuade them to adopt a mutual goal and resolution. He achieved this by reflecting on the ideals and accomplishments of the forefathers they all have in common, reminding each side of their unified history. Bridging the gap of difference between North and South, set the whole audiences mind frame on the unified purpose by which their nation was conceived, rather than their present particular interests. Because of this larger focus, the audience is able to see the profound effect the current war would have on the entire nation. The fact that this war will make or break what past generations had worked to create. Not just that it will deiced whether or not slavery will be tolerated. For this purpose Lincoln strategically neglected to mention slavery at all, or any other comment that would put him in favor of one side. The purpose was to bring the divided people together, if only for a moment so that they might see the more important needs and form a singular goal of preservation and in effect, rebirth. Typical of persuasive speeches on questions of policy, as with the Gettysburg Address, there is also problem-solution order. The problem is presented in the first main point located in paragraph 2 “a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure”. The solution follows in the last paragraph when Lincoln asserts that it is our duty to dedicate ourselves to the unfinished work of preserving our nation. Language played a role in the effectiveness of the speech equally important to that of structure. We know creating a sense of unity between North and South was instrumental in the effectiveness of the speech so in conjunction with the reminder of common history, Lincoln utilized many words throughout the entire speech that lent a sense of togetherness and the strength found therein. Words like...
