Abraham Lincoln

Introduction

Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States of America, from the year 1861 to 1865 till his assassination. He was a famous politician, renowned lawyer, and key statesman of America. He is very famous for his contribution to the abolition of slavery, defending the union of America through the American Civil War, reforming the government, and transforming the modern economy.

Family and Childhood

Lincoln was the 2nd child of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, born on 12th February 1809 Sinkling Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. Thomas leased or bought the agricultural farms in Kentucky, where he lost all his farms, although 81 hectares of his land were in the dispute. Therefore, Thomas moved to Perry County, Indiana in 1816 where keeping land was more reliable. His father worked as a farmer, carpenter, and cabinetmaker. Abraham’s father (Thomas) and mother (Nancy) were the members of Separate Baptists Church, which forbade slavery, dancing, and alcohol.

Lincoln’s mother died on 5th October 1818, when he was nine years old. Thomas married another woman Sarah Bush Johnston (a widow from Kentucky) in December 1819, and Lincoln became close to his stepmother. In southern Illinois (the second migration of his family), his refusal to be a farmer, he tried various professions, like, rail-splitter, flat boatman, storekeeper, etc. After these professions, Lincoln himself settled for the law. Lincoln married Mary Todd, a daughter of R.S. Todd (a wealthy lawyer and businessman), in November 1842 at Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln and Mary had four sons, Robert (1843), Edward (1846-1850), Willie (1850-1862), and Thomas (1853-1871).

Education and Early Career

Abraham was mostly self-educated, he enjoyed reading, scribbling, writing, etc. He passed the bar examination in 1836 and moved to the capital of Springfield and started his law career eventually. He became the partner of John T. Stuart, then Stephen T. Logan and William H. Herndon (ten years younger than Lincoln). William and Lincoln worked roughly for ten years together and never had money problems. In a few years Lincoln started making roughly $1200/year, which was comparable to the state governor’s pay. He entered national politics after completing twenty years of law career.

Early Political Career

Lincoln started his political career as the Whig member at Illinois State Legislature in between 1834-1840, he helped the state to build canals, highways, and railroads. After that he was once chosen at the Congress in 1847-1849 and supported the bill in favour of the removal of slavery and rights of commons. He opposed the US-Mexico war, supported abolishment of slavery, however, the slaughter of American soldiers by Mexican army, his war related views were not liked by the public and other colleagues.

Lincoln as a Republican Leader

Lincoln gained fame from his legal career and was known as “Honest Abe”. His views on slavery were debated by the opposition because northern states were free while the southern states were the slaveholding states. In this line, Congress passed the Kansas- Nebraska Act in May of 1854, which was disliked, and he included this hate in his Peoria speech in October 1854. Lincoln joined republicans in 1856, and in June 1856 Lincoln was supported to run for the vice-presidency. In 1858 Lincoln was in a race for the U.S. Senate, which was challenged by Douglas. Although Douglas won the seat, this election established his reputation and personality in national politics.

Presidency

In the presidency election of 1860 (held on 6th November 1860), Lincoln’s victory was because of his victories in the western and northern states, as he won only two counties in the south and therefore after his victory these southern states were in outrage and planned to be separated from the Union before his term. On 20th December 1860, South Carolina adopted an ordinance of secession, and this was followed by Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana by 1st February 1861. However, President Buchanan (favourable face in south) declared this secession of southern states illegal. These six states formed an independent nation, a constitution was adopted, and Jefferson Davis was elected as the president of the confederacy on 9_th February 1861. His term started from 4_th March 1961, and he addressed the southern states that “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies…”. He promised the people to preserve their peace, rights, property, and personal security.

Assassination

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at 10:15 pm on 14_th April 1865 by John Wilkes Booth, the same day Lincoln signed legislation to establish the United States secret service. His body was buried at the Oak ridge Cemetery (Springfield) and lies within the Lincoln Tomb. Booth was a spy of the confederate secret service and a well-known actor. This plot of the assassination was made after Lincoln's speech, where he had promoted the voting rights of the blacks. This plot was motivated by the thought that the confederacy could be restored again, since by April 1865 all the major southern states were occupied by the U.S. military.

Religious and Philosophical Beliefs

From his younger age Lincoln was considered a religious person, and very much familiar with the Bible. His spiritual beliefs are also reflected in his speeches, his second inaugural speech, Gettysburg Address, and House divided speech. He went to church with her wife but never joined a church officially. He believed and wrote in an article that the purpose, result and cause of war is based on God's will.

Legacy

Lincoln has given place on the U.S. currency of the penny and the $5 bill. He has several monuments throughout the union, some of them are at the capital of Nebraska, Washington D.C. (Lincoln’s memorial), Springfield Illinois (his tomb, a library and Museum), and at Lincoln Park Chicago. He also appears on Mount Rushmore memorial on the portrait carving along with the other three presidents.

Conclusion

Abraham Lincoln was a famous lawyer, statesman, and sixteenth president of the USA. HIs milestone works include saving the union through the American civil war, and abolishing the slavery. His firm ideology and dedication caused his assassination by the confederation.

FAQs

Q1. What was the reason behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln?

Ans. A group of southern supporters believed that confederacy formed by the southern states could be restored which was temporarily destroyed by force. John Wilkes Booth was one of these sympathisers who was key person to plot the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Q2. What are the names of presidents of the United States of America that suffered assassination?

Ans. The United States presidents who were assassinated on John F. Kennedy (1963), Abraham Lincoln (1865), William McKinley (1901), and James Garfield (1881).

Q3. What are the milestone works of Abraham Lincoln?

Ans. Abraham Lincoln's key works include creating the social and civil freedom for the Africans living in America, preserving the union of states through the American civil war, and forbidding the slavery.