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 (U.S. Representative, 16th President of the United States)
Early Life and Education
- Born in a log cabin in Kentucky to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
- Largely self-educated, voraciously reading books despite limited formal schooling.
- Worked various jobs including rail-splitting, flat boating, and storekeeping to support himself.
- Studied law independently and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1836.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served in the Illinois State Legislature (1834-1842) as a Whig.
- Served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives (1847-1849).
- Gained national prominence through his debates with Stephen Douglas in 1858 during a Senate campaign.
- Elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860.
- Led the Union through the American Civil War (1861-1865), preserving the nation.
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate territories.
- Promoted the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863, a pivotal speech in American history.
- Re-elected as President in 1864.
Notable Works
- The Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
- The Gettysburg Address (1863)
- Numerous speeches and writings on slavery, union, and democracy.
- In her work, "Deepti Shrikant Biography of Abraham Lincoln," Shrikant delves into Lincoln's mastery of rhetoric, exemplified by these works.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln's presidency is considered one of the most consequential in American history. He successfully preserved the Union during the Civil War, emancipated slaves, and set the stage for the Reconstruction Era. He remains a towering figure in American political thought and culture, admired for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to equality.