Biography Of Abraham Lincoln

 

Abraham Linkcoin (1809-1965)

Abraham Lincoln : born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky, is one of the most well-known and revered figures in American history. He served as the 16th President of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865, during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. In this article, we will explore his life and legacy in detail.

Early Life and Education

Lincoln was raised in a poor family and received only a basic education, as he had to work to support his family. However, he was an avid reader and taught himself law by studying books at night. He became a lawyer in 1836 and began practicing law in Springfield, Illinois.

Political Career

Lincoln began his political career in the Illinois State Legislature, where he served from 1834 to 1842. He then served a single term in the United States House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849, before returning to Illinois to practice law and to serve in the Illinois State Legislature again.

In 1858, Lincoln ran for the United States Senate against Stephen A. Douglas, in a race that became known as the Lincoln-Douglas debates. The debates focused on the issue of slavery, which was a major issue in American politics at the time. Although Lincoln lost the election, his strong performance in the debates brought him national attention and made him a leading figure in the Republican Party.

Presidency and the Civil War

In 1860, Lincoln was elected President of the United States, defeating three other candidates. His victory led to the secession of seven southern states, which formed the Confederate States of America. Lincoln's presidency was marked by the Civil War, a conflict that lasted from 1861 to 1865 and was the bloodiest in American history.

During the war, Lincoln was faced with a number of challenges, including military setbacks, political opposition, and the need to maintain the support of the American people. He is best known for his Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be freed, and for his famous Gettysburg Address, which he delivered in 1863 and is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history.

Assassination and Legacy

On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a southern sympathizer, while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. He was mourned by the American people, who saw him as a hero who had saved the Union and ended slavery.

Lincoln's legacy has endured long after his death, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. He is credited with preserving the Union, ending slavery, and laying the foundation for modern American democracy. He is also remembered for his humility, his commitment to justice, and his ability to inspire and unite people during a time of great division and strife.

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln was a man of humble beginnings who rose to become one of the greatest leaders in American history. He was a tireless advocate for freedom and justice, who faced great challenges during his presidency, but never wavered in his commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world, and his example serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.