The theme of the four speeches that we picked is patriotism, the love or devotion to one's country. The first speech is Abraham Lincoln’s famous “Gettysburg address.” He gave this speech on November 19, 1893, in dedication to the soldiers that died in the Battle of Gettysburg. Our second speech is “Remarks at the Brandenburg” by Ronald Reagan where he gives a speech at the Berlin Wall towards the end of the Cold War. Our third speech is by Franklin Delano Roosevelt dealing with the attack on Pearl Harbor and the entrance of the United States into World War II. The final speech we have is by Patrick Henry titled, “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death”. Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the most respected and influential presidents in United States history. He was the President of the Union during the Civil War and with his inspiring patriotism and amazing leadership, he was able to bring victory to the North and the Union Army. His Gettysburg address followed a two-hour speech by Edward Everett. While much shorter, Lincoln’s speech was much more powerful. Abraham Lincoln “Gettysburg Address” “Fourscore 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. Now we are …show more content…
This speech, given to the Second Virginia Convention only a month before the start of the Revolutionary War, represents patriotism in the most traditional sense. Henry expresses a need for rebellion, a need to fight back against the increasingly oppressive and tyrannical rule of their native country. His speech conveys the spirit of the Americans, playing into the idea that God is on their side, protecting the given rights of man. Henry’s words are credited with changing the attitude of the convention, inspiring patriotism, and leading the convention to deliver Virginian Troops for the
There are few speeches in the American history that compel us towards great acts of patriotism. Patrick Henry's speech in the Virginia Provincial Convention of 1775 is a prime example of one of these great speeches. During the debates on whether or not to compromise with Great Britain, Patrick Henry proposed the idea to his fellow members of the First Continental Congress to declare war on Great Britain. A reason why the speech was so powerful was the rhetorical strategies of the diction of slavery, the appeal to God, and the appeal to logic, that he deftly employed.
He addressed the cruel taxes and policies that have been placed upon the American people. He also, speaks of the tiring efforts of the colonies to overcome the impossible British policies. Henry begins his statement with the numerous actions taken by people in response to the British approach to limit their freedom. Writing in the statement, Henry complains that many actions have been taken in an effort to achieve freedom but have failed. Henry himself writes, “In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation?”. In making this comment Henry urges the British to be prepared for them. After overcoming the stamp act , Henry urges the British to be ready for revolution if freedom is not given. This exactly, Henry points out, if basic privileges are not given to men and women, there will be a war. Henry himself writes. “give me liberty, or give me death!”. Basically, Henry is warning that if freedom is not given, he is willing to fight until it is. Patrick Henry’s statement is crucial to the American cause in the War for Independence. He led the fight against the stamp act, after being elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765. Also, he proposed his argument for going to war was in an effort to live as free men and fight. His speech inspired men to join the cause and fight for
Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest presidents to ever serve in office in the history of the U.S., serving from 1860 to 1865. A self-educated attorney from Illinois, he proved himself to be a brilliant leader throughout the Civil War period. Although President Abraham Lincoln faced the biggest crisis in American history, he saved the nation by preserving the Union during the Civil War, boosting the economy, by fighting for the abolition of slavery, and by boosting the Northern economy.
“Give me liberty or give me death!” This statement from Patrick Henry’s “Speech to the Virginia Convention,” delivered to the House of Burgesses, has been quoted by many, becoming almost cliché. However, the declaration is truly understood by a select few. The unjust Stamp Act passed by the British crown in 1765, brought fame and notoriety to Henry as he spoke out against the unjust taxation without representation. Ten years later on the eve of revolution, Henry calls upon the Colonial government of which he is part, to act for the betterment of the people. Patrick Henry attempts to persuade the House of Burgesses to revolt and declare war against Britain by logically convincing them that it is their natural right to be free and calling on their patriotism and pride as leaders of colonial America.
Abraham Lincoln served in many facets of the United States government and was also a respected lawyer in Illinois. He was best known for being elected as the 16th President of the United States of America. As president, Lincoln guided the United States through one of the worst times in American history, the Civil War. From the start of his political career, Lincoln was instrumental in his efforts and eventual success in ending slavery in America. He was known for his public speaking abilities and delivered some of the most popular speeches in United States history. He lived a successful life before the presidency, during the presidency, and up to the time of his tragic death. His life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1865 while still serving as President of the United States. Lincoln was revered as one of the greatest presidents in American history. Prior to becoming one of the most powerful men in the world, Lincoln grew up in a poverty-stricken family.
Abraham lincoln is in my opinion one the best president's to ever step foot in office. Abraham Lincoln was born Febuary 12th 1809 born in to a poor family he was self educated. Abraham Lincoln started is great journey by becoming a country lawyer , a whig party leader , Illinois state legislator, and one term in the United States House of Representitives during in the 1830's. With no support from the south Abraham Lincoln swept the north and was elected president in 1860. Abraham Lincoln had several goals , but what makes him such a good president is he accomplished his goal's , he wanted to get rid of slavery and he fought to succeed in that. Abraham Lincoln used what was called Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 to use the army to help protect escaped slaves. Abraham Lincoln wanted to encourage the border states to outlaw slavery. He also pushed the Thirteenth Amendment which permanetly outlawed slavery. Abraham Lincoln was also a good listener he created a climate where cabinet members wer...
Abraham Lincoln wrote one of the greatest speeches in American history known as the Gettysburg Address. It was not only used as a dedication to the fallen troops of the North and South, but as a speech to give the Union a reason to fight and attempt to unite the divided nation. The sixteenth president’s handling of his speech at Gettysburg demonstrated how the effectiveness of juxtaposition, repetition, and parallelism, could bring unity to a nation deeply divided on beliefs. His speech touched the hearts of many and indirectly put an end to the Civil War. Lincoln may have been considered a tyrant at the time but he was a great leader of a nation, a war, and a democracy.
Former Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry, in his speech in the Virginia Convention, addresses the question before a group of delegates at the Second Virginia Convention. Henry’s purpose is to convince the House that a volunteer organized militia should be placed in every county in Virginia due to their alliance with Britain. Henry believes this alliance is toxic and the king of England should have less power; in comparison to their heavenly Father. By using rhetorical devices, Henry makes his speech memorable and convincing.
In the “Speech in the Virginia Convention” Patrick Henry states that the Virginia colony must revolt against Great Britain. First of all, I believe Henry wants the Virginia Colonies to go to war is because he believes the war will come one way or another. Henry says “The war is inevitable-and let it come!”. This quote is saying the war is going to happen. There is no way to avoid it. Next, I believe Henry wanted to revolt was that he believed that it was either they fought and got liberty or they died trying. He believed that if they stayed under the Britain's’ rule that they would stay slaves forever. As quoted in the passage Henry says “Give me Liberty or give me death!”. This quote is envisioning, saying that Henry will either achieve freedom
In the year 1765, the American Revolution begins and the patriots are fighting for a chance to become free from Great Britain. The document, “Speech In The Virginia Convention” was given by Patrick Henry to the delegates in the Virginia Convention to help motivate the colonist to fight the British and become an independent country. Henry continuously includes biblical allusions and rhetorical devices to support his argument, ethos creates an emotional response that sways the delegates minds. This device is incredibly effective with the colonists, since many colonists descends from very religious families, it makes the device incredibly powerful. Without including the device Henrys
Abraham Lincoln is regarded by many Americans as the greatest president to ever hold office in the history of the United States, and his reputation is definitely well deserved. Lincoln wasn't scared to stand up and fight for what he knew was right. He was convinced that within the branches of government, the presidency alone was empowered not only to uphold the Constitution, but also to protect, and defend it. Lincoln was able to lead our country and preserve the Union, keeping the United States from splintering during the devastating times of the Civil War. As President, he built the Republican Party into a strong national organization, and he rallied most of the northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation that changed the war into a battle for freedom and declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy. That November, Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, which stated how a country must be dedicated to human freedom in order to survive. He dedicated the battlefield to the soldiers who had perished, and called on the living to finish the task the dead soldiers had begun. (Donald, 1995) Lincoln believed that democracy could be a lasting form of government. He showed a nobility of character that had worldwide appeal, and he was a man of great integrity. However, Lincoln was not only the 16th president of the United States, he was an American hero. Lincoln was a well-rounded individual and he had numerous outstanding qualities. However, it is important to remember that Lincoln also led a private life, complete with close friends and family.
In the “Gettysburg Address” given by Abraham Lincoln, he used alliteration, repetition, and antithesis to convince his audience to unite and come as one for equal justice and freedom.
Abraham Lincoln was an important figure who rose from being an uneducated man, to becoming the 16th president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln is also known for his determination towards ending slavery. One of Abraham Lincoln’s political accomplishments was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. Before his presidency, Lincoln was not that knowledgeable about the military because he never really had a proper education when he was small. However, Lincoln’s entire presidency basically took place during the war.
Many people would agree that Abraham Lincoln had a impact on America because he was the president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was president during one of the most devastating wars in the United States. Lincoln spoke around the United States during the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln is arguably the most influential president. Abraham Lincoln was born a common man. His family lived in a small cabin, but he would grow to write some of the most inspirational speeches in history. Lincoln worked as an advocate to end slavery in the United States. Abraham Lincoln 's most influential speech was his Gettysburg Address speech. Lincoln work was not only inspirational and also unique. Lincoln 's Gettysburg Address was very short compared to the work of many other politicians. Lincoln was able to take the words of other powerful politicians such as Thomas Jefferson. Lincoln uses Jefferson 's words "all men are created equal" in an effort to justify the lives lost in the Civil War. Lincoln delivered speeches such as the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Speech that defined a great writer. He was able to take what one might say in many words and convey the same emotion in half the words. From a writer that changed American to a writer that changed writing all
Ever heard such a life changing speech that stood with you forever ? Throughout history there have been many speeches, but the greatest ones are those that stick with people even after decades. These are the speeches that have had an impact on people because of how powerful they are and people really connected with them. A great example of a timeless speech is “ The Gettysburg Address “ speech, given by former president Abraham Lincoln. This essay will focus on the impact of this speech in three main points. First, it will cover the history of the speech. Second, the importance of this speech, and thirdly, why it had such a huge impact then and still to this day.