This is essentially a People's contest. On the side of the Union it is a struggle for maintaining in the world that form and substance of government whose leading object is to elevate the condition of men--to lift artificial weights from all shoulders, to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all, to afford all an unfettered start and a fair chance, in the race of life. Yielding to partial, and temporary departures, from necessity, this is the leading object of the government for whose existence we contend.
Abraham Lincoln: “This is essentially a People's contest. On the side of the Union it is a struggle for maintaining in the world that form…”
Editor's note · Context
Lincoln emphasized the government's role in providing equal opportunities for all citizens.
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