November 19 in Military History — On This Day

⚔️📍 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania1863

Gettysburg Address — Lincoln's Finest Words

President Lincoln delivered a 272-word speech at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg, arguing that the sacrifices there must give birth to 'a new birth of freedom.' The main speaker, Edward Everett, spoke for two hours; Lincoln for two minutes.

The Gettysburg Address redefined the Civil War's purpose as the fulfillment of the Declaration of Independence's promise of equality and remains the most celebrated speech in American history.

Outcome

Speech defines the Civil War's meaning for all generations

Battle of San Francisco (Dolores)

The Chileans dug in on the hill of San Francisco around a vital water source and beat off the uncoordinated assaults of a larger allied Peruvian-Bolivian army parched for water in the waterless desert. Allied cohesion broke down and the Bolivian units began to withdraw from the campaign.

San Francisco secured Chile's grip on Tarapacá and began the fracturing of the alliance, as thirst and defeat drove a wedge between the Peruvian and Bolivian armies.

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