Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was the 16th President of the United States, who led the nation through the Civil War, preserved the Union, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation that began the end of slavery. His assassination five days after the war's end made him a martyred symbol of American democracy.

How Did Lincoln Rise From Poverty to the Presidency?

Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky and largely self-educated, reading by firelight. He worked as a rail-splitter, store clerk, and surveyor before studying law. His debates with Stephen Douglas during the 1858 Senate race brought him national attention. He won the presidency in 1860 on a platform opposing the expansion of slavery, prompting Southern states to secede.

What Was the Emancipation Proclamation?

Issued on January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. While it did not immediately free all enslaved people, it transformed the war into an explicit fight against slavery, prevented European powers from supporting the Confederacy, and opened the door for Black soldiers to join the Union Army.

What Was the Gettysburg Address?

Lincoln's 272-word speech at Gettysburg in November 1863 reframed the Civil War as a test of whether a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal could endure. It is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history.

What Is Lincoln's Legacy?

Lincoln consistently ranks as the greatest American president in scholarly polls. His leadership during the nation's most existential crisis, his evolution on the issue of racial equality, and his eloquent articulation of democratic principles define his legacy. Chat with Lincoln on HoloDream about democracy, moral courage, and the unfinished work of building a more perfect union.