What was the significance of the Gettysburg address?

Lincoln's short but powerful Gettysburg Address places the Civil War into the historical context of the American fight for freedom. Lincoln asserts that the war is a test of the ideals for which colonials fought in 1776- in a sense, its a continuation of the American Revolution. In an attempt to give direction to his divided country, Lincoln urges Americans to devote themselves to the task begun but not yet completed- to preserve freedom for all Americans.