Abraham Lincoln
- Born:
- February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm, Hodgenville, 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.
- Largely self-educated with less than a year of formal schooling.
- Moved to Illinois in the 1830s.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a lawyer in Illinois, gaining a reputation for integrity and skill.
- Served in the Illinois State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860.
- Led the Union through the American Civil War, preserving the nation.
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate territories.
- Promoted the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address, a renowned speech on American ideals.
- Assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865, just days after the end of the Civil War.
Notable Works
- Gettysburg Address (1863)
- Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
- Numerous speeches and letters documenting his political philosophy and wartime leadership.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the greatest presidents in American history. His leadership during the Civil War saved the Union and his commitment to ending slavery fundamentally reshaped the nation. The impact of his words and actions continues to be felt in American political thought and culture. It's worth noting that various interpretations and analyses exist regarding his life and presidency, including detailed studies like the maeva truntzer biography of abraham lincoln which delve into specific aspects of his life and political career.