This article Abraham Lincoln Biography we learn about all information of Abraham Lincoln explores his life and career, from his early days as a self-taught lawyer to his rise to the presidency and his many accomplishments in office. Learn about Lincoln’s opposition to slavery, his leadership during the Civil War, and his legacy as one of the most revered figures in American history.
Abraham Lincoln Biography
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. He led the country through the Civil War, preserved the Union, and abolished slavery. Lincoln was a brilliant statesman and orator, and his words continue to inspire people around the world.
Abraham Lincoln Biography
Early Life and Education
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky. His family was poor, but Lincoln’s parents were determined to give him an education. Lincoln attended local schools and taught himself law. He was admitted to the bar in 1837 and practiced law in Springfield, Illinois.
Political Career
Lincoln entered politics in 1834, when he was elected to the Illinois state legislature. He served in the legislature for eight years and was a member of the Whig Party. In 1846, Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served one term in the House and was a strong critic of the Mexican-American War.
Abraham Lincoln Biography
Opposition to Slavery
Lincoln was a strong opponent of slavery. He believed that slavery was morally wrong and that it was a threat to the American republic. In 1854, Lincoln spoke out against the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed slavery to be decided by popular vote in new territories. Lincoln’s opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act helped to lead to the formation of the Republican Party.
Rise to the Presidency
In 1858, Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate against Stephen A. Douglas, a Democrat who supported the expansion of slavery. Lincoln lost the election, but his debates with Douglas made him a national figure.
In 1860, Lincoln was nominated for president by the Republican Party. He ran against three other candidates, including Douglas. Lincoln won the election, but he did not win any votes from the Southern states.
Abraham Lincoln Biography
Civil War
Lincoln’s election led to the secession of the Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War. Lincoln was determined to preserve the Union, and he led the North to victory in the war.
In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were free. The Emancipation Proclamation was a major step towards the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Abraham Lincoln Biography
Assassination
On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. Lincoln died the following day, just five days after the end of the Civil War.
Legacy
Abraham Lincoln is one of the most revered figures in American history. He is remembered for his courage, wisdom, and compassion. Lincoln’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice and equality.
Abraham Lincoln Biography
Additional Information
Here are some additional notable aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency:
- Lincoln was a skilled writer and orator. His Gettysburg Address is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history.
- Lincoln was a compassionate and caring leader. He visited wounded soldiers in hospitals and wrote letters to the families of soldiers who had been killed in action.
- Lincoln was a strong supporter of education. He believed that everyone should have the opportunity to learn and succeed.
- Lincoln was a visionary leader. He foresaw the potential of the United States to become a great power, and he worked to make that vision a reality.
Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln was a transformative figure in American history. He led the country through the Civil War, preserved the Union, and abolished slavery. Lincoln was a brilliant statesman and orator, and his words continue to inspire people around the world.
Abraham Lincoln Biography
Bibliography
- Donald, David Herbert. Lincoln. Simon and Schuster, 1995.
- Goodwin, Doris Kearns. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. Simon and Schuster, 2005.
- Holzer, Harold. Lincoln. Times Books, 2003.
- McPherson, James M. Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution. Oxford University Press, 1990.
- Thomas, Benjamin P. Abraham Lincoln: A Biography. Southern Illinois University Press, 1999
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