The Complete History of Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator

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Early Life of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky (now LaRue County). His parents, Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, were poor farmers. Lincoln’s upbringing was marked by hardship, poverty, and self-education.

Childhood Struggles

At the age of nine, Lincoln lost his mother to milk sickness, a tragedy that deeply affected him. His father remarried Sarah Bush Johnston, who encouraged young Abraham’s love for learning. Lincoln had little formal education—less than a year—but he taught himself to read and write, devouring every book he could find.

Love for Learning

Lincoln’s passion for knowledge earned him the nickname “Honest Abe.” He studied the Bible, Shakespeare, and law books, which later influenced his eloquent speeches and logical reasoning.

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Early Career

Lincoln worked a variety of jobs, including rail-splitter, store clerk, and surveyor. In 1832, he served briefly in the Black Hawk War, though he never saw combat. His leadership skills, however, were evident even then.

Entry into Politics

Lincoln’s political career began in the Illinois state legislature, where he served four terms (1834–1842). As a Whig, he supported infrastructure development and a strong national economy.

Law Career

In 1836, Lincoln passed the bar exam and became a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois. His reputation for honesty and fairness made him a respected attorney. He partnered with William Herndon and gained recognition for his sharp intellect and persuasive speaking style.

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Marriage and Family

In 1842, Lincoln married Mary Todd, a well-educated woman from a prominent Kentucky family. Together, they had four sons—Robert, Edward, Willie, and Tad. Only Robert lived to adulthood. The loss of his children brought Lincoln deep sorrow but also shaped his empathy and resilience.

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Lincoln’s Rise to National Politics

Lincoln first entered national politics as a U.S. Congressman (1847–1849), where he opposed the Mexican-American War. After his single term, he returned to law practice but remained active in debates over slavery.

Kansas-Nebraska Act and Return to Politics

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which allowed new territories to decide on slavery, reignited Lincoln’s political career. Outraged by the spread of slavery, he helped form the Republican Party in Illinois.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

In 1858, Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate against Stephen A. Douglas. Although he lost, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates made him nationally famous. His moral arguments against slavery, particularly his statement that “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” resonated deeply.

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The Road to the Presidency

By 1860, Lincoln had become a leading figure in the Republican Party. His moderate stance on slavery—opposing its expansion but not immediately abolishing it—made him a unifying candidate.

In November 1860, Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. His victory alarmed the South, leading to the secession of seven Southern states before he even took office.

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The Civil War (1861–1865)

The defining event of Lincoln’s presidency was the American Civil War.

Outbreak of War

After Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in April 1861, Lincoln called for volunteers to suppress the rebellion. The war would last four long and bloody years.

Challenges of Leadership

Lincoln faced enormous challenges: - Leading a divided nation. - Managing military generals who often clashed. - Balancing political factions within the Union.

Despite criticism, Lincoln remained steadfast in preserving the Union.

Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate states to be free. While it did not end slavery immediately, it shifted the war’s focus to a fight for human freedom and discouraged foreign nations from supporting the Confederacy.

Gettysburg Address

In November 1863, after the Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, a short but powerful speech redefining the war as a struggle for liberty and equality. His words—“government of the people, by the people, for the people”—remain iconic.

Union Victory

By 1865, under the leadership of General Ulysses S. Grant, Union forces defeated the Confederacy. Lincoln’s vision of unity had prevailed, but the cost was immense—over 600,000 lives lost.

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Lincoln’s Second Term

In 1864, Lincoln was re-elected, defeating Democrat George B. McClellan. His second inaugural address emphasized reconciliation: “With malice toward none, with charity for all…” He sought to heal the nation’s wounds and rebuild.

Thirteenth Amendment

Lincoln strongly supported the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery throughout the United States. Passed in January 1865, it was his crowning achievement.

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Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Tragically, Lincoln did not live to see the full fruits of peace. On April 14, 1865, just days after General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, Lincoln attended a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. He was shot by Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth and died the next morning on April 15.

His assassination shocked the nation and turned him into a martyr for liberty and unity.

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Legacy of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln’s impact is immeasurable: - Preservation of the Union: He ensured the survival of the United States. - Abolition of Slavery: His leadership ended centuries of bondage. - Symbol of Democracy: Lincoln embodies the ideals of equality, freedom, and justice. - Global Influence: Leaders worldwide cite Lincoln as a model of courage and morality.