Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Kentucky to Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln. Growing up, he had very little formal education but developed a passion for reading and self-study.
Lincoln began his career as a store clerk, where he learned basic arithmetic and eventually moved on to become a surveyor. He later became a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois, after studying law under John Todd Stuart. In 1842, Lincoln married Mary Todd, who was from a wealthy family. The couple had four children together, but only one son, Robert, survived into adulthood.
Lincoln's entry into politics began when he ran for the Illinois state legislature in 1834 and later became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1847. In 1858, Lincoln ran against Stephen Douglas for the U.S. Senate seat, debating him on the topic of slavery. Although Lincoln lost that election, his performance gained national attention.
In 1860, Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States with a platform that opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories and states. Upon taking office, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring freedom for all slaves in Confederate territory.
Lincoln's leadership played a crucial role in the Civil War, which began when several Southern states seceded from the Union over issues related to slavery. He worked closely with his generals, such as Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman, who led key victories against the Confederacy. The war ultimately resulted in the defeat of the South and the abolition of slavery.
Lincoln's eloquence and strong communication skills made him a skilled orator. His Gettysburg Address, delivered during the Civil War, is considered one of his most famous speeches. In it, he honored the fallen soldiers at Gettysburg and reiterated the principles of equality and liberty upon which the United States was founded.
On April 14, 1865, Lincoln attended a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C., where he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. His death was met with widespread mourning across the country. Vice President Andrew Johnson succeeded him as president.
Lincoln's legacy includes his role in ending slavery and preserving the Union. He is remembered for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to the principles of equality and freedom. His leadership during the Civil War era continues to be studied by historians and scholars today.
