English Essay About Abraham Lincoln
English Essay About Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous and important presidents in the history of the United States.
He served as the 16th president from 1861 to 1865, and his leadership helped shape the future of the country.
He is best known for guiding the nation through the American Civil War and for ending slavery.
In this essay, we will learn about his life, his achievements, and how he became a symbol of freedom and equality.
Early Life of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a small log cabin in a place called Hardin County, Kentucky.
His parents were Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. They were very poor, and Abraham had to work hard from a young age. He had very little formal education, but he was a very curious boy.
He loved to read and taught himself many things. His mother, Nancy, encouraged his love for learning, and she taught him how to read and write.
When Lincoln was just nine years old, his mother died. This was a very hard time for him, and he later said that her death made him a more serious and determined person.
Lincoln’s father remarried when Abraham was a teenager, and he got along well with his new stepmother, Sarah. She also encouraged his education and provided him with books to read.
Lincoln worked on the family farm for much of his early life. As a young man, he did many different jobs, such as splitting wood, working as a storekeeper, and even serving as a postmaster.
However, he always kept his love of reading and studying. He would borrow books whenever he could and spend his free time learning about law, science, and literature.
Becoming a Lawyer
As he grew older, Lincoln decided that he wanted to become a lawyer. He didn’t have money for law school, so he studied law on his own.
He read legal books and worked as a clerk for a lawyer to gain experience. In 1836, after years of hard work, Lincoln passed the bar exam and became a lawyer.
Lincoln became well-known in Illinois for his honest and fair way of handling cases. He represented many clients, and people respected him for his knowledge of the law.
Over time, Lincoln became more involved in politics. He joined the Whig Party and began speaking out on issues he cared about, such as the expansion of slavery into new territories.
Lincoln’s Political Journey
Abraham Lincoln’s political career started when he was elected to the Illinois State Legislature in 1834. He served for several years, and during that time, he became known for his strong opinions on important issues.
Lincoln believed that slavery, the practice of owning people as property, was wrong. He spoke out against it and worked to make sure that it did not spread to new territories in the United States.
In 1846, Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, he strongly opposed the Mexican-American War, which he believed was unfair.
He thought the war would lead to the spread of slavery in new territories. Lincoln also made a name for himself as a skilled speaker, and his speeches began to draw attention from people all over the country.
After his time in Congress, Lincoln returned to Illinois and focused on his law practice. However, he could not stay away from politics for long.
In the 1850s, the issue of slavery became even more important in the United States. The country was divided into two groups: one group wanted slavery to continue, while the other group wanted it to end.
In 1858, Lincoln ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate. His opponent was Stephen A. Douglas, a senator who supported slavery.
During the campaign, Lincoln gave many speeches about the dangers of slavery. He argued that the United States could not continue to allow slavery to exist in some states while trying to move forward as a free nation.
The debates between Lincoln and Douglas became famous and helped Lincoln gain national attention.
Although Lincoln did not win the Senate race, his speeches made him a well-known figure. In 1860, the Republican Party nominated him as their candidate for president.
Lincoln won the election and became the 16th president of the United States.
Lincoln’s Presidency
Abraham Lincoln became president in March 1861, during a time of great division in the United States.
The country was on the brink of a civil war. The southern states wanted to keep slavery, while the northern states wanted to end it.
As soon as Lincoln took office, several southern states decided to leave the Union, forming their own country called the Confederate States of America.
Lincoln was determined to keep the United States together. He believed that the Union should remain strong and that slavery should be abolished.
This was a very difficult time for the country, and the Civil War began in April 1861, just a few months after Lincoln became president.
The Civil War and Lincoln’s Leadership
The Civil War lasted for four years, from 1861 to 1865. It was a terrible and bloody conflict, with more than 600,000 soldiers dying.
Lincoln had to make many tough decisions during the war. He worked hard to keep the Union army strong and to make sure that the war was fought for the right reasons.
One of Lincoln’s most important actions during the war was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. This was an executive order that declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.
While the Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately end slavery in the entire United States, it was a major step toward the abolition of slavery.
Lincoln also worked hard to pass the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would permanently end slavery in the United States.
The amendment was passed by Congress in 1865, and it was ratified by the states later that year, just months before Lincoln’s death.
Throughout the war, Lincoln’s leadership was crucial to the Union’s victory. He was patient and determined, always focusing on the goal of keeping the country united. Lincoln believed that the war was not just about defeating the South; it was about ensuring freedom and equality for all Americans.
Lincoln’s Assassination
Abraham Lincoln was re-elected as president in 1864, but his second term was cut short. On April 14, 1865, just a few days after the end of the Civil War, Lincoln was shot and killed by an assassin named John Wilkes Booth.
Lincoln was attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., when Booth entered the theater and shot him in the head.
Lincoln’s death was a tragic loss for the country. People all over the United States mourned his passing. He had been a great leader who had saved the Union and freed millions of people from slavery. Lincoln’s death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on.
Lincoln’s Legacy
Abraham Lincoln is remembered as one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history. He led the country through its most difficult time, the Civil War, and helped to end the injustice of slavery. Lincoln’s dedication to freedom and equality made him a hero to people all over the world.
Today, we remember Lincoln not only for his accomplishments but also for his character. He was a man who came from humble beginnings but rose to become a great leader. He believed in the power of democracy and always sought to do what was right, even when it was difficult.
Lincoln’s speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address, are still studied and admired for their wisdom and clarity. His words continue to inspire people to work for a better world.
In the Gettysburg Address, delivered in November 1863, Lincoln said, “That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” These words remind us that the power of government comes from the people, and that freedom and equality are values that should be protected.
Abraham Lincoln’s story teaches us many lessons. It shows us that even in the darkest times, great leaders can bring about change.
It reminds us that we should never give up on our values, even when things are difficult. And it tells us that the fight for freedom and justice is worth the effort.
Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln was not just a president; he was a symbol of hope and progress. His life, his work, and his legacy continue to inspire people all over the world.
Lincoln’s vision of a united country, free from the chains of slavery, changed the course of history.
As we look back on his life, we remember a leader who cared deeply about the values of liberty, equality, and justice.
His example teaches us that one person can make a difference, and that even the hardest challenges can be overcome with determination and courage.
