Civil War Introduction — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Lincoln began the Gettysburg Address with 'Four score and seven years ago.' How many years is that?
A) 87 years
B) 47 years
C) 27 years
D) 107 years
Four score is 80, plus seven equals 87, pointing back to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
2. Why did Lincoln give the Gettysburg Address in November 1863?
A) To start the Civil War
B) To dedicate a soldiers' cemetery at the battlefield
C) To declare peace with the South
D) To free all enslaved people
Lincoln spoke at the dedication of a national cemetery for soldiers who died at Gettysburg.
3. When Lincoln said the nation was 'conceived in liberty,' he meant the country was:
A) Built on tall mountains
B) Created with strong armies
C) Founded on the idea of freedom
D) Made for kings and queens
Lincoln reminded listeners that the United States was founded on the principle of liberty for all.
4. The famous closing line says government should be 'of the people, by the people, and for the ___.'
A) King
B) Army
C) States
D) People
Lincoln stressed democracy by repeating people, showing government belongs to ordinary citizens.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Battle of Gettysburg and the cemetery dedication both took place in Pennsylvania in 1863.
2. In the speech, Lincoln honored the soldiers who died defending the Union.
Lincoln praised Union soldiers' sacrifice and asked listeners to continue their unfinished work.
3. The audience for the speech was the people gathered at the cemetery dedication.
The cemetery dedication aimed to honor the thousands of soldiers killed at Gettysburg.
4. The Gettysburg Address is famous for being short, only about 272 words long.
Despite its short length, the Gettysburg Address is one of America's most powerful speeches.
5. Lincoln said the soldiers gave the 'last full measure of devotion.'
By dying for the Union, Lincoln said soldiers gave their full devotion to the cause of freedom.