...Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States of America from March 1861 until he was assassinated in April of 1865. His face can be seen on the American penny as well as the five dollar bill. Lincoln also makes an appearance as one of the four famous American Presidents carved into the miraculous Mount Rushmore. In our opinion Abraham Lincoln was an extremely interesting and important individual because of his involvement in the Emancipation Proclamation, his assassination, and the many legends told of him such as the nickname, “Honest Abe.” Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Hardin, Kentucky to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln. Even though he lacked a thorough formal education, he was determined to make a difference nonetheless. One of his first political roles was in March of 1832 when he campaigned for the Illinois General Assembly. Although he had the popularity vote, he was not as strong in other aspects like in the way of money and education. This could have been the reason that he did not win the election. Later on in 1846 Lincoln was voted to serve a two-year term in the United States House of Representatives. He had many political roles leading up to the presidential election of 1860, by which he became the sixteenth president of the United States of America. Abraham Lincoln played an important role in the Battle of Fort Sumter during the American Civil War. Soon after Abraham Lincoln’s success in the presidential election of 1860, South...
Words: 2050 - Pages: 9
...Jared Varley Dr. Morgan HST 390 24 September 2012 Abraham Lincoln’s Political and Moral Slavery Dilemma The sixteenth President of the United States of America, the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln casts quite a historical shadow over any other competing figure. Lincoln was brought into the world on February 12th, 1809 to an incredibly modest upbringing in which he would mold himself into a successful lawyer and later a politician. Abraham received little formal education during his childhood, eventually acquainting himself with the law through the apprenticeship system. After rising through the Illinois legislature structure, Lincoln went on to serve in the House of Representatives on behalf of the state of Illinois before gaining widespread recognition from his debates with competing Senate candidate Stephen A. Douglas in 1858.The expansion of slavery into the United States new territories was the hotly contested issue of these debates, Lincoln’s stance would eventually propel him into the national spotlight and later the Presidency. Abraham Lincoln’s views on slavery were split between his political obligations and his moral beliefs, his political actions were influenced by his desire to preserve the Union, and his moral stance on the issue largely stemmed from his deep-seeded belief in the power of the Constitution, not the political or social equality of another race. Abraham Lincoln’s view on slavery was segregated in itself, between how he perceived the issue...
Words: 1471 - Pages: 6
...Life and times of Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln was without a doubt extremely influential to the United States of America. Several historical contributions and events such as the statement four score and seven years ago and emancipation proclamation along with President Lincoln’s assassination have molded American ideology and actions. President Abraham Lincoln was very influential in molding the United States of America and although some of the decisions made during the course of the presidency were controversial; these actions moved the country forward. Abraham Lincoln was the second child born from his father’s first wife. Life stated for Abraham Lincoln in Hodgenville, Kentucky on February 12, 1809. The Lincoln’s lost their land in Kentucky and eventually forced to move to Indiana. Once in Indiana, tragedy struck the Lincoln’s again. He had to deal with his real mother dying from sickness and soon thereafter his father remarried to Ms. Sarah Johnston. Although he missed his biological mother his new family all got along well so well that Lincoln even called Ms. Johnston, mother. As Kane stated, “He held jobs as a store clerk, soldier, postmaster, rail-splitter, surveyor, lawyer, state legislator, United States congressman, and finally the President of the United States from March 4th 1861 until his death on April 15th 1869”. He was married to Mary Todd from Lexington Kentucky for over 22 years and together they had four sons. He was assassinated at Ford’s Theater in...
Words: 2340 - Pages: 10
...The Leadership of Abraham Lincoln Phillip Bullington High Performance Leadership Term Paper 2/12/15 Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Leader 4 Power & Influence 4 Ethics & Values 6 Attributes 6 Behavior 8 Followers 9 Motivation 9 Satisfaction & Performance 9 Groups 10 The Rocket Model 10 Situation 11 Situational Levels 11 Emancipation Proclamation 12 Death 13 Conclusion 13 References 14 Introduction Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States of America. Abraham was born on February 12, 1809 to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. He grew up in both Kentucky and Indiana as the son of a farmer who preferred him to work on the farm rather than read books. Lincoln had an intellectual ambition however and was in constant pursuit of knowledge through his readings. Abraham set out for Illinois in 1831 and studied to become a lawyer which he eventually did in 1836 after passing the bar examination. He was then elected to the Illinois State Legislature in 1836, 1838, and 1840. After his retirement from legislature in 1841, Lincoln went on to marry Mary Todd Lincoln in 1842. He then began devoting the majority of his time to law practice until 1847 when he was elected and served in Congress (McPherson, 2000). Lincoln would continue to move in and out of politics for the next 14 years as was continually defeated in bids and elections for office. It wasn’t until 1861, after losing...
Words: 3922 - Pages: 16
...President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation speech was one of the greatest political movements in history. Even though many of Lincoln’s advisors did not support the proclamation it actually took Abraham two times to get the bill passed. After the battle of Antietam and the Union had won then Lincoln decided that that victory was enough standing ground to issue the Emancipation that took place five days later on September 22nd 1862 that only affected the rebellion states. The Emancipation was one of the greatest political movements because it changed the focus of one of the biggest wars in United States history. It changed the aim from being the conservation of the “Union” to the slaves becoming the main aim for the war after that...
Words: 278 - Pages: 2
...Abraham Lincoln Through the course of American history there are names that stand out, names that represent more than just a person, but represent an era in American history. The list of important and influential figures in American history is too long and numerous to list. Yet there is always one name, one man who stands above all the rest. Abraham Lincoln has come to define the American experience. His beginnings as a poor farmer in Kentucky to his rise in politics to his Presidency, his story fascinates everyone who reads and studies it. Abraham Lincoln is the epitome of what America is. He is Americas most cherished and beloved President and he may be the most well-known American President in the world. Despite all the praise bestowed upon Abraham Lincoln there are those who do not buy into the ‘official’ Lincoln legacy. A small, but growing group of Lincoln detractors claim that Lincoln was not the father of freedom and liberty, the great emancipator and the savior of the union; they see Lincoln as a diabolical dictator. A man who took advantage of America in its darkest hour, a man who had no respect for the Constitution, he instead sought to destroy and undermine it every chance he got. Abraham Lincoln was President during America’s darkest hour; he saved the union and kept the country together. Lincoln was justified in the actions he took, despite attempts to paint Lincoln as a tyrannical dictator there is no question that Lincoln’s status as America’s greatest President...
Words: 3790 - Pages: 16
...Many presidents let their traces in the United States history. One of them is Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln is the 16th president in the history of the United States. Lincoln was at the head of the Republican Party and he was first elected by the Nation in 1860. His presidency is associated with many historic events that will mark the United States. More precisely, Lincoln’s presidency is characterized by the Civil War, which started in 1861. The Civil war was mostly composed of two opponents: The North and the South (Confederate States) of the United States. The North was in favor of the abolition of slavery while the South was not. Indeed, the South’s economy mostly relied on slavery. Specifically, Lincoln is well known because of the Emancipation Proclamation that he established during his...
Words: 801 - Pages: 4
...Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most revered documents in United States history. In its time, the document effectively freed the slaves but also marked the first step in creating an America with racial equality. Therefore, because of its significance in shaping the ideals of the United States, many people assume that future leaders of the nation would view the Emancipation Proclamation in the same way. However, in looking at speeches made by Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama during some of the most notable time periods in United States history, it becomes evident that presidents did not approach Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in the same way. Instead, circumstances surrounding each particular administration...
Words: 1116 - Pages: 5
...American history is too long and numerous to list. Yet there is always one name, one man who stands above all the rest. Abraham Lincoln has come to define the American experience. His beginnings as a poor farmer in Kentucky to his rise in politics to his Presidency, his story fascinates everyone who reads and studies it. Abraham Lincoln is the epitome of what America is. He is Americas most cherished and beloved President and he may be the most well known American President in the world. Despite all the praise bestowed upon Abraham Lincoln there are those who do not buy into the ‘official’ Lincoln legacy. A small, but growing group of Lincoln detractors claim that Lincoln was not the father of freedom and liberty, the great emancipator and the savior of the union; they see Lincoln as a diabolical dictator. A man who took advantage of America in its darkest hour, a man who had no respect for the Constitution, he instead sought to destroy and undermine it every chance he got. Abraham Lincoln was President during America’s darkest hour; he saved the union and kept the country together. Lincoln was justified in the actions he took, despite attempts to paint Lincoln as a tyrannical dictator there is no question that Lincoln’s status as America’s greatest President is deserved and true. During his Presidency Lincoln met fierce opposition. This is not uncommon among Presidents; they are commonly held in higher regard after they leave office than when they are in office. However, the opposition...
Words: 3657 - Pages: 15
...22 Aug. 2009 Abraham Lincoln - Hero or Racist? Abraham Lincoln is arguably one of the most interesting presidents in the history of the United States. Any research done on Lincoln will show, whether you agree or disagree with his philosophies, that he was, and still is, a fascinating historical figure. There have been numerous discussions regarding Lincoln before the Civil War, during the war as Commander In Chief, or his views on slavery and racial equality; furthermore, vast debates on his views, strategies, and solutions regarding events that helped shape our nation. Abraham Lincoln is such an interesting person that discussions and debates will lead to more questions open to more discussion and debate. What was Lincoln’s view on racial equality and slavery? What was the reason behind the Civil War? Was there an ulterior motive for the Emancipation Proclamation? These are just some of the wide variety of questions asked when the topic of discussion is Abraham Lincoln. What was Lincoln’s view on slavery and racial equality? Many people were pro-slavery. Stephen Douglas, Lincoln’s opponent for the Illinois Senate, was one and aggressively challenged Lincoln on his anti-slavery views. Lincoln’s statements concerning slavery were used to turn his constituency against him. Forced to defend his views, Lincoln held several public debates with Douglas around the United States. James McPherson notes that while in Charleston, Illinois for a debate with Stephen Douglas on September...
Words: 1425 - Pages: 6
...dfsdfsfswgAbraham Lincoln's ability to write and deliver great speeches made him a rising star in national politics and propelled him to the White House. And during his years in office, classic speeches, especially the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, helped to establish him as one of the greatest American presidents. Follow the links below to read more about Lincoln's greatest speeches. Lincoln's Lyceum Address Buyenlarge/Archive Photos/Getty Images Addressing a local chapter of the American Lyceum Movement in Springfield, Illinois, a 28-year-old Lincoln delivered a surprisingly ambitious speech on a cold winter night in 1838. The speech was entitled "The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions," and Lincoln, who had just been elected to local political office, spoke on matters of great national significance. He made allusions to a recent act of mob violence in Illinois, and also addressed the issue of slavery. Though Lincoln was talking to a smalltown audience of friends and neighbors, he seemed to have ambitions beyond Springfield and his position as a state representative. Lincoln's Address at Cooper Union In late February 1860 Abraham Lincoln took a series of trains from Springfield, Illinois to New York City. He had been invited to speak to a gathering of the Republican Party, a fairly new political party which was opposed to the spread of slavery. Lincoln had gained some fame while debating Stephen A. Douglas two years earlier in a...
Words: 952 - Pages: 4
...AMH2010 Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator Throughout the history in the United States, there were many historical figures that contributed to the success of America and its establishment. One of the most important historical figures to ever take presidency in the United States was Abraham Lincoln. He has greatly influenced the world through his accomplishments and perspective on humanity that will forever have an impact on the world today. Lincoln had many achievements throughout his years of office, but is remembered for his essential role as the leader in preserving the Union during the Civil War and beginning the process of the Emancipation Proclamation that later ended slavery in the United States (Miller). Not only was Lincoln remembered for his great character and leadership, but also for his great determination and perseverance. To begin with, Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He was born into a backcountry family who moved to Indiana when he was seven. His parents were Thomas, a carpenter by trade and a farmer out of necessity, and Nancy Hanks. He had a sister, Sarah, who was two years older and a brother who died in infancy (Miller). When Abraham was nine years old, his mother tragically died, leaving him in the care of only his father, who, within the year of his wife’s death, remarried a widow, Sarah Bush Johnston. All throughout his childhood, Lincoln had to struggle to make a living and learn as well. He lived as a farmer, working...
Words: 1012 - Pages: 5
...election to become the President of the United States of America even though he lost every single southern state by large margins. Many Southern states made it clear that if Lincoln was elected, they would secede because they knew that Lincoln was against slavery. By the time he was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, seven southern states had seceded. South Carolina was the first to secede in December 1860. These other six other Southern states followed: Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. After Lincoln's inauguration, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina also left the Union.These states eventually became known as the Confederacy. This was the beginning of an uphill battle to unite all the states again. One of the first major issues Abe Lincoln had to deal with as president was the Civil War which began on April 12, 1861. This is when General Pierre Beauregard opened fire with cannons upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. Three days later on April 15, 1861 President Lincoln issues a Proclamation calling for 75,000 militiamen, and summoning a special session of...
Words: 651 - Pages: 3
...Abraham Lincoln makes a deep insight on the topic of slavery in this quote: “On the question of liberty, as a principle, we are not what we have been. When we were the political slaves of King George, and wanted to be free, we called the maxim that ‘all men are created equal’ a self evident truth; but now when we have grown fat, and have lost all dread of being slaves ourselves, we have become so greedy to be masters that we call the same maxim ‘a self evident lie.’” A quote from Abraham lincoln, provided by abrahamlincolnonline. Lincoln's motivation for issuing the emancipation proclamation was based from his personal own opinion, and for the good of the union. To begin with, Abraham lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation out of personal desires and opinions....
Words: 492 - Pages: 2
...among itself cannot stand” - Abraham Lincoln. A country divided among itself will not survive. A government divided among itself will not function. The Civil War divided our country into what was perceived as right and wrong. However, both sides were caught together, stuck in an endless spiral downward. When Lincoln was assassinated restoring the nation was left to Johnson. A difficult task even for a strong man like Lincoln, but when Johnson, inexperienced in politics takes over the task become more or less impossible. Lincoln's assassination had a negative impact on the country after the Civil War because the South would have been better off with Lincoln's plan and Johnson accomplished nothing during his presidency. Lincoln's plan for governmental Reconstruction was flawless, until Johnson came along and ruined it. Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction was fair and peaceful; consequently he released the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction in 1863. He believed the proclamation would muster northern support for the war and meanwhile persuade tiring Confederate soldiers to give up (Coyne and Bolotin). The proclamation permitted full pardons to all Southerners - except high-ranking...
Words: 1512 - Pages: 7
