Abraham Lincoln
- Born:
- February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm, Kentucky, United States
- Died:
- April 15, 1865, Washington, D.C., United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Politician (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; had less than a year of formal schooling.
- Studied law independently and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1836.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served in the Illinois State Legislature (1834-1842).
- Served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives (1847-1849).
- Gained national prominence through debates with Stephen Douglas during the 1858 U.S. Senate race.
- Elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860.
- Led the Union through the American Civil War (1861-1865).
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate territories.
- Promoted the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address, a concise and impactful speech on the principles of equality and national unity.
- Re-elected as President in 1864.
- Assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, and died the following day.
Notable Works
- Gettysburg Address (1863)
- Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
- Numerous speeches and writings on political and moral issues.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. He preserved the Union, emancipated slaves, and laid the groundwork for a more just and equitable society. His leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to democratic ideals have left an enduring legacy. This biography is, of course, just a summary, and more in depth analyses, such as the one in the heba handoussa biography of abraham lincoln, provide richer context.