Essay on Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was America's most popular President ever. He had played the most important role in putting an end to slavery in America, and in the entire world. Abraham Lincoln's childhood was spent in such poverty that his family had to struggle for a house. His father did not even have enough money to send him to school. Abraham studied from the old books of others. He started earning his wages from his childhood to feed himself.
Once a friend of Abraham Lincoln wanted to know his religious views, he said that he felt good when did something good, and felt bad when he did something bad, that was his religion. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th and greatest President of America. Today it has been more than 200 years since the birth of Abraham Lincoln, but whenever we talk about the Presidents of America, the name of Abraham Lincoln comes on top. Abraham Lincoln almost gave his life to save America from being dismembered in the civil war and for the unity of the country.
About Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born on 12 February 1809 in a wooden house in Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. His father's name was Thomas Lincoln and his mother's name was Nancy Lincoln. His parents came from England and later moved to New Jersey. Abraham Lincoln's family was very poor and he earned his livelihood by farming. Lincoln’s family was evicted from their land due to a land dispute and they were forced to leave the city.
In 1811, their family moved to Knob Creek Farm, they made that land fit for farming and started cultivating it. In 1816, the Abraham family settled in Indiana, where they cleared up forests and started farming. Even today, his form has been kept as a memorial. When Abraham was 9, his mother, Nancy, died. After this, his father married another woman named Sara. Abraham grew up, he wanted employment that yielded more profits through less work. He built a boat and started working as a boatman, which gave him good profits. After this, Abraham Lincoln started working as a manager in a store.
Education and Politics
Abraham Lincoln completed his law studies while working in this store. After some time he became the postmaster in the village, due to which people started knowing him and started respecting him. Then he thought of going into politics, keeping in view the troubles of the local people because at that time slavery was at its peak.
Abraham Lincoln hated the atrocities on slaves since the beginning and wanted to abolish slavery. With this idea, he entered politics and contested the MLA, but he faced defeat in that election. On the other hand, while contesting elections, he had also left the post master's job, due to which he had a shortage of money. Everything in Abraham Lincoln's life was going against him. There was a time in his life when he was so depressed that he used to stay away from knives because he was afraid that he might kill himself.
A friend of his at that time boosted his morale and drove him out of depression. Abraham Lincoln contested again with the help of his friend and this time he won the election. After this victory, he was counted amongst the youngest MLAs. He then inspired the youth and they became his ardent followers. Abraham Lincoln was now licensed to become a lawyer and then he met a famous lawyer. Both of them started working together but after some time his friend left him. Abraham Lincoln was also failing in advocacy because he did not take money to fight the cases of the poor. He practised for 20 years.
Struggles and Death
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln contested for the Presidency of the United States of America and eventually achieved the greatest success of his life by becoming the 16th President of the United States. After becoming the 16th President of America on November 6, 1860, Abraham did a lot of important works that have not only national but international importance as well. Abraham Lincoln's greatest achievement was the emergence of America from the Civil War.
The credit for the abolition of slavery by amending the Constitution of America also goes to Abraham Lincoln. On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife were in Washington DC to watch a play in the Ford’s Theatre, where he was shot by a famous actor John Wilkes Booth and on the next day, on April 15, 1865, Abraham died.
FAQs on Abraham Lincoln Essay: The Life and Legacy of the 16th President
1. Who was Abraham Lincoln and what is he primarily famous for?
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He is most famous for leading the nation through its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis, the American Civil War. His leadership was instrumental in preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, and strengthening the federal government.
2. What was Abraham Lincoln's role in ending slavery in the United States?
Abraham Lincoln played a crucial role in ending slavery. His most significant action was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. While it didn't free all slaves immediately, it transformed the character of the Civil War. He also championed the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which permanently abolished slavery throughout the nation.
3. What are the key points to include in a short essay on Abraham Lincoln?
When writing a short essay on Abraham Lincoln, you should focus on these key points:
Early Life: Briefly mention his humble beginnings in a log cabin in Kentucky and his journey of self-education.
Presidency and the Civil War: Discuss his leadership during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and his goal of preserving the Union.
Ending Slavery: Explain the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation and his support for the 13th Amendment.
Legacy: Conclude with his lasting impact as a symbol of democracy, freedom, and national unity.
4. When did Abraham Lincoln serve as President of the United States?
Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th President of the United States from his inauguration on March 4, 1861, until his death on April 15, 1865. His entire presidency was dominated by the events of the American Civil War.
5. How did Abraham Lincoln die?
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, while attending a play, 'Our American Cousin,' at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. He was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer. President Lincoln died the following morning, on April 15, 1865.
6. Why is Abraham Lincoln often called 'Honest Abe'?
The nickname 'Honest Abe' originated from Abraham Lincoln's reputation for integrity and fairness during his early career as a lawyer in Illinois. There are many anecdotes of him going to great lengths to ensure honesty in his business and legal dealings, such as walking miles to return a small amount of money to a customer. This nickname stuck with him throughout his political career and became a cornerstone of his public image.
7. What was the importance of the Gettysburg Address?
The Gettysburg Address is one of the most important speeches in American history. Delivered by Lincoln on November 19, 1863, its importance lies in how it redefined the purpose of the Civil War. Lincoln framed the war not just as a conflict to save the Union, but as a struggle for the principle of human equality and a "new birth of freedom." It eloquently connected the sacrifices of the soldiers to the enduring survival of democracy, as a "government of the people, by the people, for the people."
8. How did Abraham Lincoln's early life experiences shape his presidency?
Lincoln's early life profoundly shaped his presidency. Growing up in poverty and facing personal loss taught him resilience and empathy. His limited formal schooling fostered a lifelong love for self-education and deep, logical thinking. Working various manual labor jobs gave him a strong connection to the common person. These experiences cultivated the humility, determination, and profound understanding of human struggle that guided his leadership through the nation's most difficult period.
9. How can you structure a 5-paragraph essay on Abraham Lincoln?
A good structure for a 5-paragraph essay on Lincoln is as follows:
Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Start with a hook, introduce Abraham Lincoln as the 16th U.S. President, and state your main argument (thesis) about his legacy in preserving the Union and ending slavery.
Paragraph 2 (Body): Focus on his leadership during the Civil War. Discuss the challenges he faced and his unwavering commitment to keeping the nation together.
Paragraph 3 (Body): Detail his role as the "Great Emancipator." Explain the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
Paragraph 4 (Body): Discuss his character and key speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address, to highlight his vision for America.
Paragraph 5 (Conclusion): Summarise the key points and restate the thesis. Conclude by reflecting on his enduring impact on America and the world. For a detailed example, you can review the Abraham Lincoln Essay: The Life and Legacy of a Great leader.
