Duty and obligation are the cornerstones on which any military tradition is based. So it makes sense that, during this time of war, President Lincoln invoked these sentiments to stir the crowd to action.
His words made it clear that the burden of winning was a shared one—one that he carried along with every American fighting for a Union victory. In these tough times, when people looked to be consoled and for meaning in all the bloodshed, a rigid sense of duty helped bring the nation together.
Questions About Duty
- Not everyone fought out on the front lines. What are some other ways people might have displayed duty?
- Although we don't hear their side, those living in the Confederacy also had a sense of duty to their cause. How might that have differed from those in the Union?
- Think about tough times in your own life. Have you ever been called on to fulfill a certain duty, whether at home, at school, or somewhere else entirely?
Chew on This
More important than stronger forces, better technology, or a superior sense of style, motivating people is necessary for countries to win wars.
America in the 19th century was a society built around honor. So when called to action by President Lincoln, the response was overwhelming.