On Abraham Lincoln Biography: His Impact and Legacy

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most prominent figures in history, famous for his stance against slavery, where he served as the staunchest figures for its abolition. He is regarded as one of America’s greatest heroes and one of the greatest presidents who ever lived. There are certainly interesting facts about Abraham Lincoln out there, too many to express in this writing.

Knowledge of Abraham Lincoln usually comes from movies, history books, and politics. His views are commonly debated among political circles and the controversial nature of his death is a typical discussion topic among scholars. Below are some Abraham Lincoln facts taken from different versions of his biography.

What was Abraham Lincoln’s childhood like?

Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809 in a log cabin to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, both of who were farmers. The family lived in Kentucky until 1816, when they left for Perry County, Indiana.¹

Nancy died because of milk sickness and Thomas remarried later on to Sarah Bush Johnston. Abraham was close to his stepmother and treated her like a real mother. The Lincoln family relocated once again to Macon County, Illinois.

When did he enter the world of politics?

Lincoln entered the world of law when the Whig party inducted him into the Illinois state legislature in 1834. He decided to become a lawyer, teaching himself the law by reading William Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England.

Abraham Lincoln’s education was less than formal. Upon becoming a lawyer in 1844, Lincoln collaborated with William Herndon in the practice of law. He made a good living as a lawyer and took a few side jobs to supplement his income.²

He then fully entered politics. He served in the House of Representatives in 1847 to 1849. For his views, he found few political allies and was never expected to rise above the ranks.

Prior to his election as president, people knew Lincoln for the following:

• His stance against war
• His lobbying for the Illinois Central Railroad as company attorney
• Several court cases involving banks, insurance companies, and manufacturing firms
• Criminal trials, with one about a murder caused by the light of the moon

When and how did he become president?

In 1860, political operatives in Illinois voiced their support for Lincoln’s presidency, surpassing better-known candidates like William Seward of New York and Salmon P. Chase of Ohio. His moderate view on slavery helped him gain support.

He gained 180 out of 303 electoral votes.

How did he deal with Civil War?

Abraham Lincoln’s Civil War biography speaks of his greatest impact on the nation. The Civil War caused a heavy strain on America’s political environment. Lincoln drafted 75,000 volunteers into the army, even when he didn’t declare war. He strengthened his actions against suspected Confederate supporters, going as far as imprisoning them. His methods drew criticism from his Cabinet, the party, and the American people.

What was the Gettysburg Address all about?

Lincoln gave one of the most famous speeches in American history after the defeat of the Confederates in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He proclaimed his ideals to save the Union and to abolish slavery not only within the Union, but also in rebellious states.

In 1864, the Confederacy finally conceded to defeat. Lincoln was then reelected, and rebuilding efforts strengthened.³

When was Lincoln assassinated and why?

Lincoln provoked ire from confederate sympathizers in office. A group of Republicans confronted him in a discourse beforehand. In 1865, before the political battle could escalate, a known confederate sympathizer, John Wilkes Booth, assassinated Lincoln at the Ford Theater. Lincoln suffered from a coma for nine hours, before finally passing away.

What legacy has Lincoln left?

Abraham Lincoln’s accomplishments have left a significant mark in American society. Today, Lincoln is remembered not only as one of the key figures in the abolition of slavery, but also the backbone of the Union, which he persuaded to remain and fight.

He preserved the dignity of America, leaving behind a legacy experienced by citizens up to this day.⁴ As an Abraham Lincoln quote goes: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

References:

¹ biography.com/people/abraham-lincoln-9382540

² civilwar.org/education/history/biographies/abraham-lincoln.html?referrer=https://www.google.com.ph/

³ history.com/topics/american-civil-war/gettysburg-address

⁴ socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/abrahamlincoln4.htm