The Extraordinary Life and Presidency of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s status as one of the greatest American heroes is certainly deserved. A Kentucky-born, Lincoln was raised in a family that did everything it could to eke out a...
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 to 1865. He is best known for leading the country during the American Civil War and for his efforts to end slavery in the U.S.
These FAQs provide an overview of President Lincoln, one of the most influential figures in our nation’s history, renowned for his leadership during a time of unprecedented national strife and transformation.
Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky.
Issued by Lincoln on January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be freed. This did not immediately free all slaves but changed the character of the Civil War and paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery.
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, on April 14, 1865. He died the following day.
In 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas held a series of seven debates while competing for a U.S. Senate seat from Illinois. These debates primarily focused on the issue of slavery and its expansion into new territories.
Throughout his life, Lincoln was known for his integrity and straightforwardness, leading to the nickname “Honest Abe.”
The Gettysburg Address was a short speech delivered by Lincoln on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In it, Lincoln reaffirmed the values of liberty and equality and emphasized national unity.
Lincoln’s views on slavery evolved over time. While he always personally detested slavery, his early political stance focused on preventing its expansion. By the time of his presidency, he had become more determined to abolish it entirely.
Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842, and they had four children: Robert, Edward, William, and Thomas. Only Robert survived to adulthood.
The Civil War dominated Lincoln’s presidency. His leadership during this divisive and bloody conflict, his decisions about slavery, and his efforts to preserve the Union are central to his legacy.
Lincoln is revered for navigating the country through its most challenging period, the Civil War, and for his principled stance on contentious issues, such as slavery. His leadership, vision for the nation, and his martyrdom contribute to his esteemed legacy.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, are dedicated to his life and legacy. Numerous books, documentaries, and online resources also offer in-depth insights into his life and contributions.
Additionally, World History Edu has a ton of materials on the life and major accomplishments of Abe Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln’s status as one of the greatest American heroes is certainly deserved. A Kentucky-born, Lincoln was raised in a family that did everything it could to eke out a...
For close to one and half centuries now, Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) has continuously appeared in surveys and in books as one of the three...