Abraham Lincoln: Analyzing His Presidency, Policies, and Significance

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, exploring his life, leadership, and lasting impact on American and global history. It delves into his early life, political career, and the extraordinary pressures he faced, particularly during the Civil War. The essay highlights Lincoln's role in the Emancipation Proclamation, his support for the Homestead Act, and his moral and charismatic leadership. It analyzes his political skills in managing cabinet disputes and adverse circumstances, as well as his storytelling methods and inspirational speeches. Furthermore, it discusses Lincoln's significance as a role model for leaders worldwide, his contributions to the freedom of slaves, and his role in bringing peace after the Civil War, emphasizing his enduring legacy as an 'honest Abe' and a leader with great wisdom. The essay draws from various sources to provide a well-rounded understanding of Lincoln's presidency and his enduring impact on American history.

Student Name
INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION(S)
ABRAHAM LINCOLN

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Introduction
Abraham Lincoln, born on 12th February 1809 in Kentucky US died on 15th April
1865 in Washington D.C. Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the US who well-maintained
a Union during the American Civil War besides liberalizing slaves. Lincoln was a self-taught
lawyer, a vocal adversary of slavery and a legislator. In American history, he is regarded as a
savvy leader and a smart military strategist. His Liberalization proclamation made slavery
abolished and the Gettysburg Address became one of the most famous oratory in the US.
Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 April by John Wilkes Booth and Lincoln’s death instantly
made him a martyr (History.com). Now, he is recognized as one of the greatest presidents
America ever had in history.
Historical background
In 1830, Lincoln's family moved to southern Illinois where he got himself a job in a
flatboat haul carrying freight from New Orleans through Mississippi River. After settling
himself in New Salem, he worked as a postmaster and a shopkeeper while getting involved
with politics to support Whig Party who won the election in 1834. Lincoln, from starting days
in politics, faced extraordinary pressures, especially during the Civil War. Despite many
generals showed no consideration to fight against assassination threats and those who
bickered his cabinet members, Lincoln showed braveness and did not give up due to the
arising issues in his party. He fought till the Confederacy got defeated. The Emancipation
Proclamation too was not easy and did not free slaves at once as it only applied to those
territories that were out of Lincoln's control. It was after the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865
which made all the slaves free and though Lincoln proved to be a strong supporter and a great
reason behind the amendment, he was assassinated before the law was enacted (Current).

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The global significance of Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln's domestic policies comprised support for the Homestead Act which allowed
poor people to obtain lands in the West. This reveals that his trust in righteousness and his
pro-Union policies made Union alive besides helping people get out of slavery. It was
Lincoln's moral and charismatic leadership which made his party's broad vision accomplish
its goals. His political skills not only settled disputes arising among cabinet members but also
made them deal with adverse circumstances pro-actively. His story telling methods and
inspirational speeches manipulated people to set things in his way which shows significance
behind his leadership as compared to other American presidents (Coutu).
Today, Lincoln is more recognized as an 'honest Abe' than a former president of
America as he was a leader with great wisdom. His faith in the world made him struggle for
moral principles during the Civil War. Although he was criticized for overstepping traditional
methods as shown by executive powers, Lincoln face became a role model for several
upcoming leaders not only in America but throughout the globe. His principles and work are
still studied by academicians and researchers who seek learning skills followed by excellent
leaders. His contribution to freedom of slaves and bringing peace after the Civil War cannot
be forgotten in US history and therefore he is often portrayed as a flattering light (Current).

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Work cited
Coutu, Diane. Leadership Lessons from Abraham Lincoln. 2009.
<https://hbr.org/2009/04/leadership-lessons-from-abraham-lincoln>.
Current, Richard N. Abraham Lincoln. n.d.
<https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abraham-Lincoln/Early-politics>.
History.com. Abraham Lincoln. 2009.
<https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/abraham-lincoln>.