Abraham Lincoln

Definition

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He is best known for leading the country during the Civil War, preserving the Union, and abolishing slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation. His leadership and commitment to equality played a significant role in shaping modern America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky, and grew up in Indiana and Illinois.
2. He was a self-taught lawyer and politician who gained national prominence through his debates with Stephen A. Douglas in 1858.
3. Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War was marked by significant challenges, including military defeats and political opposition from both Democrats and Republicans.
4. He delivered the Gettysburg Address to honor fallen soldiers and reinforce the ideals of democracy and liberty for all citizens.
5. Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, just days after General Robert E. Lee's surrender, which ended the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did Lincoln's early life experiences shape his views on slavery and leadership?
  • Lincoln's early life experiences, including growing up in a poor family and working various manual jobs, helped him understand the struggles of ordinary Americans. His exposure to slavery while living in Kentucky instilled in him a moral opposition to the practice. These experiences shaped his leadership style as he advocated for equality and worked tirelessly to preserve the Union during the Civil War.
• What were the main goals of Lincoln's administration during the Civil War, and how did they evolve over time?
  • The main goals of Lincoln's administration during the Civil War initially focused on preserving the Union and restoring order. However, as the war progressed, he recognized that ending slavery was essential to achieving long-term peace and unity. This evolution led to significant actions like the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which aimed not only to weaken the Confederacy but also to redefine the purpose of the war toward promoting freedom and equality.
• Evaluate how Lincoln's legacy has influenced contemporary views on civil rights and equality in America.
  • Lincoln's legacy has had a profound impact on contemporary views regarding civil rights and equality in America. His commitment to abolishing slavery laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements and legislation aimed at achieving racial equality. The principles he espoused in speeches like the Gettysburg Address continue to resonate today, inspiring activists who advocate for social justice and equal rights for all individuals regardless of their background. This enduring influence demonstrates how his leadership has shaped ongoing discussions around freedom and equality in modern American society.

Related terms

Emancipation Proclamation: An executive order issued by Lincoln on January 1, 1863, that freed all enslaved people in the Confederate states.

Gettysburg Address: A speech delivered by Lincoln on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, emphasizing national unity and the fight for equality.

Civil War: A conflict fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) primarily over issues of slavery and states' rights.