Abraham Lincoln
- Born:
- February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm, Kentucky, United States
- Died:
- April 15, 1865, Petersen House, Washington, D.C., United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Politician, Statesman
Early Life and Education
- Born in a log cabin in Kentucky to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
- Largely self-educated, receiving less than a year of formal schooling.
- Moved to Indiana in 1816 and Illinois in 1830.
- 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 his debates with Stephen Douglas in 1858 during his unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senator.
- 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 Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863, one of the most famous speeches in American history.
- Re-elected President in 1864.
Notable Works
- Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
- Gettysburg Address (1863)
- Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history. He preserved the Union, emancipated slaves, and laid the foundation for racial equality. His leadership during the Civil War was crucial to the survival of the nation.
On Scholarly Works
Numerous biographies have examined Lincoln's life and presidency. One such analysis, similar in scope to a comprehensive historical account, might be envisioned as a 'denys lasdun biography of abraham lincoln,' focusing on architectural and societal structures that defined his time.