Born February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Kentucky.
Largely self-educated.
Worked various jobs, including rail-splitter, postmaster, and lawyer.
Served in the Illinois legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives (1847-1849) as a Whig.
His stance against the expansion of slavery gained him prominence.
Rise to National Prominence
Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): Lincoln vehemently opposed this act, which allowed for Popular Sovereignty to decide the slavery issue in these territories. This galvanized his anti-slavery stance.
New Republican Party 1850: Lincoln joined the newly formed Republicans, who opposed the expansion of slavery.
Lincoln Douglas Debates (1858): A series of seven debates with Stephen Douglas during the Illinois Senate race. These debates, particularly the Freeport Doctrine, brought national attention to Lincoln and his views on slavery, even though he lost the election.
Election of 1860: Lincoln won the presidency with less than 40% of the popular vote, but with a majority of electoral votes. His victory triggered the secession of Southern states.
The Civil War President
Fort Sumter (April 1861): The Confederate attack on Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the Civil War.
Anaconda Plan: Lincoln initially adopted General Winfield Scott’s strategy to suffocate the South through naval blockade and control of the Mississippi River.
Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863): Declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory free. This transformed the war into a moral crusade against slavery and prevented Great Britain and France from officially recognizing the Confederacy.
Battle of Antietam (September 1862): Although a tactical draw, this Union victory gave Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
Battle of Gettsyburg (July 1863): A major turning point in the war, marking the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.
Gettysburg Address (November 1863): A brief but powerful speech dedicating the Gettysburg battlefield as a national cemetery and reaffirming the principles of equality and national unity.
Shermans March to Sea (1864): Lincoln supported General Sherman’s strategy of “total war” to break the Confederacy’s will to fight.
Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse (April 9, 1865): General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.
Wartime Policies and Legislation
Suspension of Habaes Corpus civil war: Lincoln suspended the right of habeas corpus to suppress dissent and rebellion, leading to the arrest and detention of thousands of suspected Confederate sympathizers.
Morrill Tariff Act (1861): Raised tariff rates to protect Northern industries and fund the war effort.
Homestead Act (1862): Provided 160 acres of public land to settlers who agreed to live on and cultivate it for five years, encouraging westward expansion.
Transcontinental Railroad: Facilitated by legislation during the war, though not directly signed by Lincoln, it was a project he strongly supported, leading to greater western settlement and economic growth.
National Banking Act (1863): Created a national banking system to stabilize the currency and finance the war.
Reconstruction and Assassination
Lincoln advocated for a lenient Reconstruction policy toward the South, aiming for a quick and peaceful reunification. His “Ten Percent Plan” offered amnesty to Confederates who swore allegiance to the Union.
13th amendment (1865): Formally abolished slavery in the United States. Lincoln strongly supported the amendment, though it was ratified after his death.
Freedmans Bureau: Helped freed slaves transition to freedom and provided education and other services.
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (April 14, 1865): Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre, just days after the Confederate surrender.
Impact on the Country
Preservation of the Union: Lincoln’s leadership was crucial in preventing the permanent division of the United States.
Abolition of Slavery: He is considered the “Great Emancipator” for his role in ending slavery, although his primary goal was preserving the Union.
Strengthening of the Federal Government: The Civil War and Lincoln’s actions significantly expanded the power and authority of the federal government.
Shaping American Identity: Lincoln’s speeches and actions helped define American values such as equality, liberty, and national unity.
His image as a humble, honest, and resolute leader has made him an iconic figure in American history.