Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County (now LaRue County), Kentucky, emerged as one of America’s greatest leaders and the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln’s life was shaped by humble beginnings, self-education, and a strong commitment to justice. Rising from poverty, he worked various jobs before entering politics, serving as a member of the Illinois State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. Lincoln gained national prominence through his debates with Stephen A. Douglas during the 1858 Illinois Senate campaign, showcasing his eloquence and opposition to the spread of slavery.
Elected as president in 1860, Lincoln faced the daunting challenges of the Civil War, which threatened to tear the nation apart. His leadership during this tumultuous period, characterized by the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address, solidified his legacy as a defender of liberty and equality. Lincoln’s tragic assassination in 1865 marked the first presidential assassination in American history. His enduring impact on American history and his commitment to preserving the Union and advancing the cause of freedom continue to be celebrated, making him one of the most revered figures in U.S. history.
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This lesson takes students on a journey to understand why many Black Americans flipped from loyal Republican voters during Reconstruction to hopeful Democrat voters during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s.
