Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Born on February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky, Lincoln is remembered for leading the nation through its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis—the American Civil War—preserving the Union, and abolishing slavery.
Lincoln was born into a poor family and had little formal education. His early life was marked by hard labor, moving from Kentucky to Indiana and then to Illinois due to land disputes and economic necessity. His interest in politics and law developed in his early adulthood, leading him to become a self-taught lawyer in Illinois. Lincoln served in the Illinois General Assembly and later in the United States House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849.
Lincoln's national profile rose significantly during the Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858, where he challenged Stephen A. Douglas for a Senate seat. Although he lost the election, his eloquence and clear moral stance against the expansion of slavery resonated with many, setting the stage for his presidential campaign. In 1860, Lincoln won the presidency as the candidate of the newly formed Republican Party, which opposed the expansion of slavery into the western territories.
Lincoln's presidency was dominated by the American Civil War, which erupted soon after he took office. His primary goal was to preserve the Union. Key events during his presidency include:
On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C.. His death came just days after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House. Lincoln's legacy includes:
Lincoln is often ranked as one of America's greatest presidents for his leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to ending slavery.