Famous Narratives

What did Abraham Lincoln do?

Learn about Abraham Lincoln's achievements and legacy in this detailed blog post.

Discover the remarkable achievements of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s greatest presidents, including his leadership during the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and his impact on American society and politics. 

Learn about Lincoln’s personal qualities that contributed to his legacy and why he remains a significant figure in American history. 

Read on for a comprehensive overview of Abraham Lincoln’s accomplishments and their lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • Abraham Lincoln was a prominent political figure in the 19th century and rose to national prominence due to his opposition to slavery.
  • Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860, and his presidency was largely defined by his leadership during the Civil War.
  • Lincoln’s efforts to preserve the Union and end slavery were instrumental in shaping the course of American history, and his Emancipation Proclamation helped to pave the way for the eventual abolition of slavery.
  • In addition to his military leadership during the Civil War, Lincoln was responsible for implementing several key domestic policies, including the Homestead Act and the Morrill Land Grant Act.
  • Lincoln’s diplomatic efforts were also significant, as he worked to prevent foreign intervention in the Civil War and maintain good relations with other countries.
  • Lincoln’s personal qualities, including his leadership, integrity, and eloquence, have made him an enduring symbol of American democracy, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide Americans today.

Introduction


Brief background on Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was a really important person in American history. He lived a long time ago, during the 19th century, and was known for his strong opposition to slavery. 

In fact, he became so famous for his stance against slavery that he was eventually elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860.

Lincoln’s presidency was a really challenging time for America, as the country was going through a terrible Civil War. 

During this time, Lincoln showed great leadership skills as he worked to preserve the Union and bring an end to slavery. 

His efforts had a huge impact on the course of American history, and he’s remembered today as one of the most important figures in the fight for civil rights.

Despite the difficulties of the Civil War, Lincoln also worked on several important policies that helped shape America into what it is today. 

Brief background on Abraham Lincoln

One of these policies was the Homestead Act, which gave people the opportunity to claim land and become farmers in the West. Another policy was the Morrill Land Grant Act, which helped create colleges that focused on teaching agriculture and other useful skills.

Lincoln’s influence wasn’t limited to America either. He also worked to maintain good relationships with other countries and prevent foreign intervention in the Civil War. 

His diplomacy and eloquence were so impressive that they still inspire people today.

Overall, Abraham Lincoln’s impact on America and the world was huge. He was a man of great integrity and leadership, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide Americans today.



Purpose of the blog post: to highlight Lincoln’s most significant achievements

In this blog post, we’re going to talk about one of the most important people in American history: Abraham Lincoln. 

Lincoln did so many amazing things during his lifetime that we’re going to focus on his most significant achievements. 

I’ll cover all the cool stuff he did, like being elected President during a really tough time in American history, working to end slavery, and creating policies that helped shape America into what it is today. By the end of this post, you’ll have a good idea of just how much of an impact Lincoln had on the world!

Chapter 1


Abraham Lincoln’s Political Career

When Abraham Lincoln was young, he became interested in politics and decided to join a political party called the Whigs. 

This party was against the power of the President and supported the power of Congress, and Lincoln was drawn to their ideas.

In 1834, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois State Legislature, which is like a smaller version of Congress just for the state of Illinois. He served there for several years and worked on passing laws that he thought would help people in Illinois. 

He was really good at giving speeches and debating, and people started to notice him and see him as a leader.

During this time, Lincoln was also a lawyer and worked on cases for people who couldn’t afford a lawyer.

He was known for being honest and fair, and people respected him for that.

Abraham Lincoln's Political Career

Lincoln’s early political career was focused on serving the people of Illinois and getting his ideas heard. His time in the Illinois State Legislature was just the beginning of his long career in politics, and he would eventually go on to become one of the most important figures in American history.

Rise to national prominence, including the Lincoln-Douglas debates and election to the presidency

After serving in the Illinois State Legislature, Abraham Lincoln started to become more well-known throughout the country. 

He gave a speech at a convention in 1856 where he spoke out against slavery and talked about the importance of preserving the Union. This speech caught the attention of a lot of people, and soon Lincoln was getting invited to speak all over the country.

One of the most famous things Lincoln did during this time participated in a series of debates with a guy named Stephen Douglas. 

Douglas was a senator from Illinois who was famous for his support of slavery. Lincoln and Douglas argued about a lot of things, but mostly about whether slavery should be allowed in new territories that were being added to the United States. 

These debates were really important because they showed that Lincoln was a strong speaker and had good ideas.

In 1860, Lincoln decided to run for President of the United States. This was a really big deal, and lots of people were watching the election closely. 

Lincoln was running against three other guys, and everyone thought it was going to be a really close race. But in the end, Lincoln won! He was the first President of the Republican Party, and he was determined to do everything he could to preserve the Union and end slavery.

Overall, Abraham Lincoln’s rise to national prominence was marked by his strong beliefs and powerful speeches. His participation in the Lincoln-Douglas debates helped him gain a lot of recognition, and his election to the presidency was a historic moment for the United States.

Chapter 2


Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Achievements

When Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States in 1860, he faced a lot of big challenges. 

One of the most important things he did during his presidency was the issue of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1861. This was a really big deal because it declared that slaves in Confederate states were “forever free”. 

It didn’t immediately free all slaves, but it was an important step toward ending slavery in the United States.

Leadership during the Civil War, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States. 

He had a really tough job because he had to lead the country during one of the most difficult times in its history.

One of the most important things he did during the war was issue the Emancipation Proclamation in 1861. 

Abraham Lincoln's Presidential Achievements

This was a really big deal because it declared that slaves in Confederate states were “forever free”. It didn’t immediately free all slaves, but it was an important step toward ending slavery in the United States.

In 1863, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, which is one of the most famous speeches in American history. He gave this speech to honor the soldiers who had died in the Battle of Gettysburg, which was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. 

The speech was really short, but it was really powerful. In it, Lincoln talked about the importance of democracy and freedom. The Gettysburg Address is still remembered today as one of the greatest speeches ever given by an American President.

Military leadership, including appointments of generals and overseeing the Union war effort

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had to be a really good leader for the Union Army. He had to choose good generals to lead the troops and make sure that the army had everything it needed to fight. 

One of the most important things he did was choose Ulysses S. Grant to be the top general of the Union Army. Grant was a really good general and he helped the Union win some important battles.

Lincoln also had to make some tough decisions during the war. Sometimes he had to fire generals who weren’t doing a good job. He also had to make sure that the army had enough food, weapons, and other supplies to fight. 

This was really important because the Union army was really big and it needed a lot of things to be able to fight.

Overall, Lincoln did a really good job as a military leader. He made some tough decisions, but he always tried to do what was best for the Union.

Domestic policies, such as the Homestead Act and the Morrill Land Grant Act

As president, Abraham Lincoln didn’t just focus on the Civil War. He also worked on some important domestic policies that would help the country grow and prosper in the long term. One of these policies was the Homestead Act

This act helped people move to the West and get their own land. Before this, only rich people could afford to buy land, but the Homestead Act made it possible for anyone to get land if they were willing to work hard.

Another important domestic policy was the Morrill Land Grant Act. This act helped set up colleges and universities all over the country. 

These schools focused on teaching things like farming, engineering, and other practical skills that people needed to succeed. This was really important because it helped people get a good education and learn skills that would help them get good jobs.

Overall, Lincoln’s domestic policies were all about helping people have better lives. He wanted to make sure that everyone had a fair chance to succeed, no matter where they came from or how much money they had.

International diplomacy, including handling of the Trent Affair and efforts to prevent foreign intervention in the Civil War

During his time as president, Abraham Lincoln had to deal with not only the challenges of the Civil War but also with international diplomacy. 

One of the biggest challenges he faced was the Trent Affair. This was when two Confederate diplomats were on board a British ship called the Trent. 

The United States Navy stopped the ship and arrested the diplomats, which angered the British government.

Lincoln knew that the United States couldn’t afford to go to war with Britain, so he decided to release the Confederate diplomats and apologize to the British government. 

This was a smart move because it prevented a potentially disastrous war with Britain.

Lincoln also worked hard to prevent foreign intervention in the Civil War. Many countries, including Britain and France, were considering intervening in the war to help the Confederacy. 

Lincoln knew that this would be bad for the Union, so he worked hard to convince these countries to stay out of the war. He sent diplomats to Europe to plead his case and wrote letters to foreign leaders. 

In the end, his efforts were successful, and no country intervened in the Civil War.

Overall, Lincoln’s international diplomacy efforts were all about keeping the United States safe and preventing the Civil War from becoming an international conflict. 

He knew that the United States couldn’t afford to go to war with other countries, so he worked hard to maintain good relationships with other countries and prevent foreign intervention.

Here is a table showing some of Abraham Lincoln’s presidential achievements:

DateAchievement
1834Elected to the Illinois State Legislature
1860Elected President of the United States
1861Issued Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves in Confederate states “forever free”
1862Signed Homestead Act, which gave land to settlers in the West
1863Delivered Gettysburg Address, one of the most famous speeches in American history
1864Re-elected President of the United States
1865Signed 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery

These are just a few of Abraham Lincoln’s most significant achievements. He accomplished a lot more during his time in office, but these are some of the things that he is most remembered for today.

Chapter 3


Abraham Lincoln’s Legacy

Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the greatest presidents in United States history. His leadership during the Civil War helped save the Union and end slavery. 

He also passed important laws like the Homestead Act and the Morrill Land Grant Act that helped people settle in the West and start new lives.

But Lincoln’s legacy goes beyond his accomplishments as a president. He is also remembered for his inspiring speeches, like the Gettysburg Address

In this speech, he reminded Americans of the importance of preserving the Union and the sacrifice of those who fought for it.

Lincoln’s commitment to equality and justice also left a lasting impact. He believed that all people, regardless of race, should be treated with respect and given the same opportunities. 

His Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery, helped to bring about greater equality and freedom for all Americans.

Lincoln’s tragic death in 1865 only added to his legacy. His assassination by John Wilkes Booth was a shock to the nation, and many mourned his passing. 

Abraham Lincoln's Legacy

But his ideas and his dedication to the United States and its people continue to inspire generations of Americans.

Today, Lincoln is remembered as a hero, a leader, and a symbol of hope. His legacy reminds us of the importance of courage, justice, and equality.

Lincoln’s impact on American society and politics, including his influence on the Civil Rights Movement and the preservation of the Union

Abraham Lincoln’s impact on American society and politics is still felt today. He played a major role in preserving the Union during the Civil War and ending slavery. 

But his influence didn’t stop there.

Lincoln’s commitment to equality and justice has inspired many people and movements throughout history. 

For example, during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. looked to Lincoln as a symbol of hope and progress. 

They saw his dedication to ending slavery and promoting equality as a model for their own fight for civil rights.

Lincoln’s legacy also includes the concept of the American Dream. He believed that all people should have the opportunity to succeed and live a good life, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

This idea of the American Dream continues to be an important part of American culture and values.

Overall, Lincoln’s impact on American society and politics has been immense. His leadership during a time of crisis helped to save the Union and preserve the principles of democracy and freedom. 

His commitment to equality and justice has inspired generations of Americans to fight for a better future for all.

Personal qualities that contributed to his legacies, such as his leadership, integrity, and eloquence

Abraham Lincoln was a remarkable person, not only because of his accomplishments but also because of his personal qualities that made him a great leader. 

One of his most notable qualities was his leadership skills. Lincoln had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve and was determined to see it through. 

He was also able to inspire others to follow him and work towards a common goal.

Another important quality that contributed to his legacy was his integrity. Lincoln was known for his honesty and his commitment to doing what was right, even if it was difficult. 

He was a man of his word and was respected for his unwavering principles.

Lincoln was also an eloquent speaker and writer. He had a way with words that allowed him to communicate his ideas and inspire others. 

His speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address, are still studied and admired today.

In addition to these qualities, Lincoln was also known for his compassion and empathy. He was deeply committed to the well-being of all Americans and worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone had equal rights and opportunities.

Overall, Lincoln’s personal qualities played a significant role in his legacy as one of America’s greatest presidents. His leadership, integrity, eloquence, and compassion continue to inspire people to this day.

Conclusion


Recap of Abraham Lincoln’s achievements

Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest American presidents.

He had many important accomplishments during his time in office, which helped shape the United States into what it is today.

Firstly, Lincoln had a successful early political career, serving in the Illinois State Legislature as a member of the Whig Party.

Recap of Abraham Lincoln's achievements

He then rose to national prominence through his debates with Stephen A. Douglas and his election to the presidency.

As president, Lincoln had many notable achievements, including his leadership during the Civil War. 

He oversaw the Union’s military effort, appointed generals, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate states were free. He also delivered the famous Gettysburg Address, which remains one of the most important speeches in American history.

Lincoln’s domestic policies were also significant. He signed the Homestead Act, which allowed settlers to claim and own land in the West. He also signed the Morrill Land Grant Act, which provided federal funding for land-grant colleges and universities.

In terms of international diplomacy, Lincoln successfully navigated the Trent Affair and worked to prevent foreign intervention in the Civil War.

Lincoln’s legacy continues to influence American society and politics. His leadership and integrity continue to inspire leaders today, and his efforts to preserve the Union and end slavery paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement.

Overall, Abraham Lincoln achieved many great things during his lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on American history and society.

Final thoughts on the significance of Lincoln’s legacy and impact on American history

Abraham Lincoln’s legacy is one that will be remembered for centuries to come. His leadership, integrity, and eloquence inspired countless Americans and influenced the course of history. 

As we have seen, his achievements as President and during the Civil War were numerous and profound. He is widely regarded as one of America’s greatest Presidents and for good reason.

Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War was crucial in preserving the Union and ending slavery. His efforts to ensure the success of the Union war effort and his appointment of talented generals played a significant role in the Union’s victory. The Emancipation Proclamation, one of his most significant achievements, paved the way for the abolition of slavery in the United States.

In addition to his accomplishments during the Civil War, Lincoln’s domestic policies, such as the Homestead Act and the Morrill Land Grant Act, helped to promote westward expansion and improve access to education for Americans. 

His handling of international diplomacy, including the Trent Affair, prevented foreign intervention in the Civil War.

Lincoln’s personal qualities, such as his integrity, honesty, and eloquence, also played a significant role in his legacy. His speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, are still studied and admired today. 

His influence on American society and politics has been profound, with his impact being felt in the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

Overall, Abraham Lincoln’s legacy is one of immense significance and impact on American history. His achievements, leadership, and personal qualities continue to inspire and influence Americans today and will continue to do so for generations to come.

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Recap of Abraham Lincoln's achievements


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Abdiel . O
Abdiel . O

History buff Abdiel .O brings captivating stories of famous figures to life. Growing up in Indiana, his fascination with history, literature, and the arts blossomed into an English Language/Literature degree.

A global adventurer, Abdiel traveled the world, immersing himself in diverse cultures. This journey ignited his love for storytelling, leading him to pursue writing.

Now a captivating blogger, Abdiel's work graces various online publications. He shares insightful reflections on history's most fascinating figures, inspiring, educating, and entertaining readers with unique perspectives on their lives and legacies.

Beyond writing, Abdiel cherishes time with loved ones, devours books, and explores the outdoors. His passion for writing and lifelong quest for knowledge fuel his captivating historical narratives.

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