综英课本B4u15[精选].ppt

Unit 15 Main Headings Background Information Pre-reading discussion Main idea: Text I A B Comprehension questions: Text I A B Language points Some comments on the text Vocabulary Work Practice Background Information The American Civil War (1861-1865) The American Civil War was one of the most violent times in the history of the United States. More than 600,000 men gave their lives for their country in this war. The war resulted from the conflict between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states that seceded from the Union and formed the Confederacy. This is by nature a war between two social systems, namely that of slavery and free labor market. During the War, President Lincoln issued “Homestead Act” in May 1862, and Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that all slaves were set free. With the victory, the Northern States secured the rule of industrial bourgeois nationwide. Moreover, the elimination of slavery paved the way for the robust development of capitalism in America; and the enforcement of “Homestead Act” promoted the development of the American West. All in all, the Civil War greatly propelled the progress in the history of America. The Battle of Gettysburg The great battle of Gettysburg, fought from July1 to 3, 1863 through the streets and around the little Pennsylvania town, was the turning point of the Civil War, and also one of the most famous battles in the US history. The Southern army under General Robert Lee suffered more than 20,000 casualties. The Northern army under General George G. Meade lost about 18,000 lives. Abraham Lincoln and his speech The 16th president of the USA. On 19th, Nov. 1863, he was invited to attend the ceremony at which the battlefield of Gettysburg was dedicated as a national cemetery for soldiers who were killed in that battle during the American Civil War. And he was asked to give a speech. The ceremonies began with a prayer. Then Edward Everett rose to speak. Everett stood silent for