Abraham Lincoln
- Born:
- February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm, Hodgenville, Kentucky, United States
- Died:
- April 15, 1865, Petersen House, Washington, D.C., United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Born in a log cabin in Kentucky to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
- Largely self-educated, with less than a year of formal schooling.
- Read 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 Senate campaign.
- 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.
- Advocated for the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863.
Notable Works
- Gettysburg Address
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. His leadership during the Civil War preserved the Union and his efforts led to the abolition of slavery. Historical analyses, such as those potentially mentioned in an "enguerrand quarton biography of abraham lincoln", explore the complexities and nuances of his actions and their lasting impact.