Abraham Lincoln
- Born:
- February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm, Hardin County, Kentucky, USA
- Died:
- April 15, 1865, Petersen House, Washington, D.C., USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Politician, Statesman
Early Life and Education
- Born in a log cabin in Kentucky to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
- Largely self-educated, with less than a year of formal schooling.
- Read law books extensively and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1836.
Career and Major Achievements
- Elected to the Illinois State Legislature (1834-1842).
- Served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives (1847-1849).
- Gained national prominence through debates with Stephen Douglas in 1858 during the Illinois Senate race.
- Elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860.
- Led the Union through the American Civil War (1861-1865).
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring slaves free in Confederate territories.
- Promoted the passage of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address, a landmark speech in American history.
- Re-elected as President in 1864.
- Assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, and died the following day.
Notable Works
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Gettysburg Address
- Cooper Union Address
- Numerous letters, speeches, and legal documents.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln is revered as one of the greatest presidents in American history. He preserved the Union, emancipated slaves, and set the stage for racial equality. His leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to democratic ideals have had a profound and lasting impact on the United States and the world.
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