The instant public reaction to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address remains a point of contention. Some publications criticised it, while others praised it. According to some reports, the crowd at the dedication didn't think Lincoln's speech was appropriate for the occasion - and neither did he.
The president urged Americans to continue "the unfinished job" of those who fought at Gettysburg, thus uniting America's foundational goal of equality with African Americans' desire for liberation.
