Who Is Abraham Lincoln?

2021-05-20

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Abraham Lincoln was an American statesman and lawyer who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He is best known for leading the country through the American Civil War (1861–1865) and for his role in the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Lincoln was born in 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky, and grew up in poverty. He was largely self-educated and taught himself law. In 1834, he moved to Illinois and began his political career. He served in the Illinois legislature and in the United States House of Representatives.

In 1860, Lincoln was elected president. He took office on March 4, 1861, and was immediately confronted by the secession of seven Southern states. The American Civil War began two months later, and Lincoln led the Union to victory in 1865.

who is abraham lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States.

Led the Union through the Civil War
Emancipator of enslaved African Americans
Preserved the Union
Issued the Emancipation Proclamation
Delivered the Gettysburg Address
Assassinated in 1865
Revered as one of America's greatest presidents

Lincoln's legacy is complex and contested, but he is generally regarded as one of the most important and influential presidents in American history.

Led the Union through the Civil War

The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 between the United States and the Confederate States of America, a group of eleven Southern states that had seceded from the Union. The war was fought over the issue of slavery, as the Southern states wanted to maintain the institution of slavery, while the Northern states wanted to abolish it.

Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860 on a platform of opposing the expansion of slavery into new territories. When seven Southern states seceded from the Union in response to Lincoln's election, he called for volunteers to put down the rebellion. The Civil War began in April 1861, and Lincoln served as commander-in-chief of the Union Army throughout the war.

Lincoln faced many challenges during the Civil War. He had to raise and equip an army, find generals who could lead it to victory, and keep the Northern states united behind the war effort. He also had to deal with foreign powers who were sympathetic to the Confederacy. Despite these challenges, Lincoln never wavered in his determination to preserve the Union and end slavery.

In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were free. This was a major turning point in the war, as it showed that the Union was committed to ending slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation also helped to rally support for the Union cause in Europe.

Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War was essential to the Union victory. He was a strong and decisive leader who never gave up, even when the war seemed lost. He also had a clear vision for the future of the United States, and he was determined to create a country where all people were free and equal.

Emancipator of enslaved African Americans

Abraham Lincoln is known as the "Great Emancipator" because he played a key role in ending slavery in the United States.

Issued the Emancipation Proclamation

In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were free. This was a major turning point in the Civil War, as it showed that the Union was committed to ending slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation also helped to rally support for the Union cause in Europe.
Supported the Thirteenth Amendment

After the Civil War, Lincoln supported the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery throughout the United States. The amendment was ratified in 1865, just a few months after Lincoln's assassination.
Worked to improve the lives of African Americans

Lincoln also worked to improve the lives of African Americans in other ways. He supported the creation of the Freedmen's Bureau, which provided food, clothing, and education to former slaves. He also appointed African Americans to government positions.
Spoke out against racism

Lincoln was a vocal opponent of racism. In his speeches, he argued that all people are created equal and that slavery is a moral wrong. He also called for the end of discrimination against African Americans.

Lincoln's efforts to end slavery and improve the lives of African Americans made him a hero to many people. He is remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history.

Preserved the Union

Abraham Lincoln is credited with preserving the Union during the Civil War. When seven Southern states seceded from the Union in 1861, Lincoln refused to recognize their independence. He called for volunteers to put down the rebellion, and he raised an army to fight the Confederate forces.

Lincoln faced many challenges during the Civil War. The Confederacy had a strong military, and the war was fought on many fronts. Lincoln also had to deal with foreign powers who were sympathetic to the Confederacy. Despite these challenges, Lincoln never wavered in his determination to preserve the Union.

Lincoln's leadership was essential to the Union victory. He was a strong and decisive leader who never gave up, even when the war seemed lost. He also had a clear vision for the future of the United States, and he was determined to create a country where all people were free and equal.

Lincoln's efforts to preserve the Union were successful. The Confederacy was defeated in 1865, and the Union was restored. Lincoln's legacy is one of a great leader who saved the United States from分裂.

Lincoln's preservation of the Union is one of his most important achievements. He is remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history because he saved the country from分裂and created a more perfect union.

Issued the Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation was a presidential proclamation and executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War. The proclamation declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were free. It was a major turning point in the war, as it showed that the Union was committed to ending slavery.

Lincoln had been considering issuing an emancipation proclamation for some time. He knew that it would be a controversial move, but he believed that it was necessary to win the war and to end slavery. He also hoped that the proclamation would help to keep Britain and France from recognizing the Confederacy.

On September 22, 1862, Lincoln issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation warned the Confederate states that if they did not return to the Union by January 1, 1863, he would issue a final proclamation freeing all slaves in the Confederate states. The Confederate states did not return to the Union, so Lincoln issued the final Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.

The Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately free all slaves in the United States. It only applied to slaves in the Confederate states, and it did not free slaves in the border states that had remained loyal to the Union. However, the proclamation was a major step towards the end of slavery in the United States. It also helped to rally support for the Union cause in Europe.

The Emancipation Proclamation is one of Lincoln's most important achievements. It was a bold and decisive move that helped to turn the tide of the Civil War and to end slavery in the United States.

Delivered the Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg Address is a speech that was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most famous speeches in American history.

The speech was delivered four and a half months after the Battle of Gettysburg, which was a major turning point in the Civil War. The Union Army had defeated the Confederate Army, and the Confederacy was on the verge of collapse. Lincoln's speech was intended to honor the soldiers who had died at Gettysburg and to rally the country behind the Union cause.

The Gettysburg Address is a short speech, but it is packed with meaning. Lincoln begins the speech by invoking the Declaration of Independence and the idea that all men are created equal. He then goes on to argue that the Civil War is a test of whether a nation "conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" can long endure. Lincoln concludes the speech by calling on the audience to rededicate themselves to the cause of freedom and equality.

The Gettysburg Address is a powerful and moving speech that has inspired generations of Americans. It is a reminder of the ideals on which this country was founded and the importance of fighting for those ideals.

The Gettysburg Address is one of Lincoln's most important speeches. It is a timeless classic that continues to be studied and admired today.

Assassinated in 1865

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, just days after the end of the Civil War. He was shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Lincoln died the following day.

Booth's動機

Booth was a famous actor and a strong supporter of the Confederacy. He was motivated to assassinate Lincoln because he believed that Lincoln was a tyrant who had destroyed the South. Booth also hoped that Lincoln's assassination would help to revive the Confederacy.
The assassination plot

Booth conspired with a group of other Confederate sympathizers to assassinate Lincoln. They planned to kill Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson, and Secretary of State William H. Seward. However, only Booth was successful in carrying out his part of the plot.
Lincoln's death

Lincoln was shot in the head by Booth while sitting in a box at Ford's Theatre. The bullet entered the back of his head and lodged behind his right eye. Lincoln died the following day at the Petersen House, where he had been taken after the shooting.
The aftermath

Booth escaped from Ford's Theatre after shooting Lincoln. He was pursued by Union soldiers and eventually cornered in a barn in Virginia. Booth was shot and killed by Union soldiers on April 26, 1865.

Lincoln's assassination was a tragedy that shocked the nation. He was a beloved president who had led the country through the Civil War and preserved the Union. His death was a major setback for the cause of Reconstruction.

Revered as one of America's greatest presidents

Abraham Lincoln is consistently ranked among the greatest presidents in American history. He is admired for his leadership during the Civil War, his commitment to preserving the Union, and his efforts to end slavery.

Leadership during the Civil War

Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War was essential to the Union victory. He was a strong and decisive leader who never gave up, even when the war seemed lost. He also had a clear vision for the future of the United States, and he was determined to create a country where all people were free and equal.
Preserving the Union

Lincoln is credited with preserving the Union during the Civil War. When seven Southern states seceded from the Union in 1861, Lincoln refused to recognize their independence. He called for volunteers to put down the rebellion, and he raised an army to fight the Confederate forces. Lincoln's efforts to preserve the Union were successful. The Confederacy was defeated in 1865, and the Union was restored.
Ending slavery

Lincoln is also known for his efforts to end slavery. In 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were free. This was a major turning point in the Civil War, as it showed that the Union was committed to ending slavery. Lincoln also supported the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery throughout the United States.
Legacy

Lincoln's legacy is one of a great leader who saved the United States from分裂and created a more perfect union. He is also remembered for his commitment to freedom and equality.

Lincoln is revered as one of America's greatest presidents because of his leadership during the Civil War, his commitment to preserving the Union, and his efforts to end slavery. He is a symbol of American democracy and a reminder of the ideals on which this country was founded.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Abraham Lincoln:

Question 1: When and where was Abraham Lincoln born?
Answer 1: Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Kentucky.

Question 2: What was Abraham Lincoln's occupation before he became president?
Answer 2: Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer and a politician. He served in the Illinois legislature and in the United States House of Representatives before becoming president.

Question 3: When was Abraham Lincoln elected president?
Answer 3: Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860.

Question 4: What was the most important event that happened during Abraham Lincoln's presidency?
Answer 4: The most important event that happened during Abraham Lincoln's presidency was the Civil War. Lincoln led the Union to victory in the Civil War, and he also issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves in the Confederate states.

Question 5: When and how did Abraham Lincoln die?
Answer 5: Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. He was shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer.

Question 6: Where is Abraham Lincoln buried?
Answer 6: Abraham Lincoln is buried in the Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, Illinois.

Question 7: What is Abraham Lincoln's legacy?
Answer 7: Abraham Lincoln is remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history. He is admired for his leadership during the Civil War, his commitment to preserving the Union, and his efforts to end slavery.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Abraham Lincoln. He was a complex and fascinating man who left a lasting legacy on the United States.

In addition to the information in this FAQ, there are many other resources available to learn more about Abraham Lincoln. You can find books, articles, and websites that provide detailed information about his life and presidency.

Tips

Here are a few tips for learning more about Abraham Lincoln:

Tip 1: Visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Lincoln Memorial is a national monument that honors Abraham Lincoln. It is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The memorial is a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to learn about Lincoln's life and legacy.

Tip 2: Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a museum and library that is dedicated to the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln. It is located in Springfield, Illinois, which was Lincoln's hometown. The museum has a large collection of artifacts related to Lincoln, and it offers a variety of educational programs.

Tip 3: Read books and articles about Abraham Lincoln.
There are many books and articles available that provide detailed information about Abraham Lincoln's life and presidency. Some popular books about Lincoln include "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin and "Lincoln" by David Herbert Donald.

Tip 4: Watch movies and documentaries about Abraham Lincoln.
There are also a number of movies and documentaries that have been made about Abraham Lincoln. Some popular movies about Lincoln include "Lincoln" (2012) and "Gettysburg" (1993). These movies can be a great way to learn more about Lincoln's life and the challenges he faced during his presidency.

Closing Paragraph for Tips

These are just a few tips for learning more about Abraham Lincoln. He was a complex and fascinating man who left a lasting legacy on the United States. By following these tips, you can learn more about his life and accomplishments.

Abraham Lincoln was a great leader who faced many challenges during his presidency. He led the Union to victory in the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and preserved the Union. He is remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history.

Conclusion

Lincoln was born in a humble log cabin in Kentucky, but he rose to become one of the most important figures in American history. He was a self-educated man who taught himself law and politics. He served in the Illinois legislature and in the United States House of Representatives before becoming president.

Lincoln's presidency was dominated by the Civil War. He led the Union to victory in the war, and he also issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves in the Confederate states. Lincoln's efforts to preserve the Union and end slavery made him a hero to many people.

Lincoln was assassinated just days after the end of the Civil War. His death was a tragedy, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as a great leader who saved the United States from分裂and created a more perfect union.

Closing Message

Abraham Lincoln was a complex and fascinating man. He was a great leader who faced many challenges during his presidency, but he never gave up. He is an inspiration to us all, and his legacy will continue to be studied and admired for generations to come.