Abraham Lincoln

Born:

February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm, Hardin County, 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 to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
• Largely self-educated, with less than a year of formal schooling.
• Worked various jobs, including rail-splitter, flatboatman, and postmaster.

Career and Major Achievements

• Began his legal career in Illinois in 1836.
• Served in the Illinois State Legislature (1834-1842) and the U.S. House of Representatives (1847-1849).
• Engaged in a series of debates with Stephen Douglas during the 1858 Illinois Senate campaign.
• Elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860.
• Led the Union through the American Civil War (1861-1865).
• Issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate territories.
• Signed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.
• Delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863.
• Re-elected as President in 1864.

Notable Works

• Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
• Gettysburg Address (1863)
• Numerous speeches and writings on the issues of slavery, union, and democracy.

Legacy and Impact

Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the greatest presidents in American history. His leadership during the Civil War preserved the Union and led to the abolition of slavery. The impact of his actions and words continues to resonate in American society and around the world. For further study, consider works such as the cornelis raaphorst biography of abraham lincoln, as it provides detailed insights into his life and presidency.

Quotes

• "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
• "Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

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