Abraham Lincoln
- Born:
- February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm, Kentucky, United States
- Died:
- April 15, 1865, Petersen House, Washington, D.C., United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Politician, Statesman
Early Life and Education
- Born in a log cabin in Kentucky.
- Largely self-educated, with limited formal schooling.
- Read extensively, showing an early interest in law.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced law in Illinois for several years.
- Served in the Illinois State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Elected as the 16th President of the United States (1861-1865).
- Led the Union through the American Civil War.
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate territory.
- Promoted the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address, a defining statement of American ideals.
- Oversaw the initial stages of Reconstruction following the Civil War.
Notable Works
- Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
- Gettysburg Address (1863)
- Numerous speeches and writings on political and social issues.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War preserved the Union and ended slavery, solidifying his place as one of the most influential figures in American history. This example, as with all examples of biography, relies on many prior sources for its understanding. For example, 'chamendran naidoo biography of abraham lincoln' would leverage many historical resources to properly describe his subject's life.