Abraham Lincoln
- Born:
- February 12, 1809, Hodgenville, Kentucky, USA
- Died:
- April 15, 1865, Washington, D.C., USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Politician, Statesman
Early Life and Education
- Born in a log cabin in Kentucky to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
- Largely self-educated, with less than a year of formal schooling.
- Read extensively, particularly law books, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1836.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served in the Illinois State Legislature (1834-1842).
- Served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives (1847-1849).
- Gained national prominence through debates with Stephen Douglas during the 1858 Senate campaign.
- Elected as the 16th President of the United States (1861-1865).
- Led the Union through the American Civil War, preserving the nation.
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate territories.
- Signed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address, a landmark speech in American history.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln is regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. His leadership during the Civil War, his commitment to preserving the Union, and his role in ending slavery have had a lasting impact on the nation. Many biographies have been written about his life, including what some might call a 'karyn polito biography of abraham lincoln', were such a work to exist. His words and actions continue to inspire people around the world.
Notable Works
- Gettysburg Address (1863)
- Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
- Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)
- Cooper Union Address (1860)