Born: February 12, 1809 Spouse: Mary Todd Lincoln Mother: Nancy Hanks Lincoln
Died: April 15, 1865 (Assassinated at age 56) Children: William Wallace, Robert Todd, Edward Baker, & Tad Lincoln Father: Thomas Lincoln
Early Years:
Abraham Lincoln and his family were moved in a frequent manner to avoid financial trouble and illness. He was known for his lack of school (he only attended school for less than a year), yet taught himself on how to read and write and also taught himself. He was also known for his physical strength, strength in character, and honesty.
Presidency: (March 4, 1861 - April 15, 1865 )
Lincoln's first major political appearance was at Cooper Union in New York, in February 1860. When he later become the first Republican president, he had defeated Southern Democrat, John C. Breckinridge, Constitutional Union, John Bell, and Northern Democratic, Stephen Douglas Before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln also lost five separate elections before gaining the big win. South was enraged at the election of President Lincoln on November 6, 1860. Due to this, seven Southern States seceded from the Union, in fear that their would be a federal invasion, before his inauguration on March 1861.
"I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so," Said by Abraham Lincoln in his Inaugural Address.
He became the new Commander in Chief who always, despite of everything, tried to save and maintain the Union. Even with these words, it still did not give any security to the South.
The Civil War Begins: (April 12, 1861)
The Union tried everything to not go to war. The Secretary of State, William Henry Seward, even suggested to threaten war against Spain and France for the interference in Mexico and the Caribbean. He suggested doing this in a united effort, but had no such luck. The Confederacy was morbidly excited and enraged to begin the Civil War. This meant that the bomb was close to exploding.
The explosion happened in 1861 in Charleston, South Carolina. It occurred at Fort Sumter which was a federal outpost. Lincoln opposed to surrender and instead, sent ships to provide the supplies that were needed to defend the fort. Before the sun began its wake on April 12, the Confederates fired on Fort Sumter, beginning the war.
Abraham Lincoln wrote, "The last ray of hope for preserving the Union has expired at the assault upon Fort Sumter..." Sumter had surrendered.
Lincoln believed that the South was just in a state of rebellion. Still stunned with what happened at Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln sent 75,000 militiamen to put down these mavericks.
The Democratic Senator, Stephen Douglass, said, "There can be no neutrals in this war, only patriots-or traitors." This gave the States a difficult decision; to secede or stay in the Union.
(Supporters of the Union: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oregon, California, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.)
Border States (Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri), were states that owned slaves but did not join the Confederacy. These states were essential, being that Missouri and Kentucky controlled important rivers, and Maryland separated Washington D.C. (the Union capital) from the North. Lincoln needed to keep these states on the Union side, and so, sent federal troops to keep them loyal. He also did this in Virginia where it had a strong loyalty to the Union.
In helping the troops, Abraham Lincoln established the U.S. Sanitary Commission in June 1861. This was a "private relief agency" that was made to support wounded and sick soldiers.
Due to the loss of The Battle of Bull Run, Lincoln was forced to get a better trained army. This was the start of his struggle with his military commanders. He finally stuck the jack pot with General Ulysses S. Grant
Emancipation Proclamation: (September 22, 1862)
Issued on January 1, 1863, it was an executive order to free all slaves in the United States where the Union had no control. Abraham Lincoln was urged to make this order by the Abolitionists. He was dubious to make this decision, based on his belief of constitutional power and the effects of the proclamation that could either hurt or help the Union.
"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom." - Emancipation Proclamation, 1862
This document did not end slavery but did transform the character of the war. Abraham Lincoln waited until the victory of The Battle of Antietam to be in a strong primacy. This also hurt the South because of its loss of slaves and its capability carry on the war.
Civil War Continued:
As a reward to African American soldiers, Abraham Lincoln suggested to give them their right to vote in his 1864 election.
Lincoln was aging, his face weary from the war exhaustion. He also had to deal with the tensions that were growing in the North besides running the war.
The Gettysburg Address: (November 19, 1863)
Abraham Lincoln gave this world-famous speech, where he eulogized the bravery of the Union soldiers and reestablished his commitment and dedication in winning the Civil War and with this, preserving the Union.
The Civil War Meets Its End: (April 9 1865)
General William Tecumseh Sherman carried out a plan to lead a path of destruction in the South by destroying railroads and industries. This was key victory and helped Abraham Lincoln win the re-election of 1864. This and General Ulysses S. Grant victory of Richmond, led the South to surrender and ending the Civil War at the Appomattox Courthouse.
After the Civil War:
Abraham Lincoln made the "Ten Percent Plan" readmit the South even before the war ended. He did this so he could reunite and the country as "quickly and painlessly as possible." This plan let an official pardon of the South for all of the "illegal acts supporting the rebellion." In order to receive this they South had to swear on oath to the loyalty of the United States and agree that slavery was illegal. It was called the "Ten Percent Plan" because only ten percent of voters in a state committed these pledges, and they could then form a new government and be readmitted and accepted by the Union. Louisiana was the first to pledge and soon others followed.
The Thirteenth Amendment: (Proposed: January 31, 1865) (Ratified & Took effect: December 18, 1865)
Due to the Emancipation Proclamation, the Congress proposed the Thirteenth Amendment. This was urged by President Abraham Lincoln to make slavery illegal throughout the United States. The amendment was finally put in effect on December 1865.
Abraham Lincoln's Death: (April 15, 1865)
On attendance to the Ford's Theater, located in Washington D.C. on April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln and his wife went to enjoy the play, "Our American Cousin." A southerner who did not agree with Lincoln's policies, was able to sneak into the presidential theater box and shot Abraham Lincoln in the back of his head. There was a boardinghouse across the street where Lincoln was rushed to. There wasn't anything they could do to keep the President alive. At 7:22 in the morning, on April 15, 1865 Abraham Lincoln was pronounced dead. John Wilkes Booth ended Lincoln's dream to see a peaceful and reunited country.
Summary:
What did Abraham Lincoln Do?
Lincoln strongly against the extension of slavery in territories. Therefore he was not a abolitionist but slavery did define his political career.He outstandingly led the nation through the Civil War as smoothly as he could. He was a genius of words and was famous for his debates such as the ones with Senator Stephen Douglas, and led a compelling and powerful defense of the Union and democracy. During and after the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln made a difference and significant contributions such as, the Emancipation Proclamation which led to the Thirteenth Amendment, and a reunited nation.
Why Is He Important?
"Abraham Lincoln is one of the great symbols of American democracy."
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:
1. What was the role of Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War and events leading to the War?
<Commander in Chief and President>
2. Where did Abraham Lincoln make a difference?
<In the lives of enslaved African Americans>
3. How did Abraham Lincoln make a difference?
<Helped end slavery, & reunited the nation>
4. What side did Abraham Lincoln fight or align himself on?
<The Union.... The North>
5. What was the most significant contribution that Abraham Lincoln made during the Civil War era?
<The Emancipation Proclamation which led the end of slavery and helped cripple the South so the war could initially end>
Died: April 15, 1865 (Assassinated at age 56) Children: William Wallace, Robert Todd, Edward Baker, & Tad Lincoln Father: Thomas Lincoln
Early Years:
Abraham Lincoln and his family were moved in a frequent manner to avoid financial trouble and illness. He was known for his lack of school (he only attended school for less than a year), yet taught himself on how to read and write and also taught himself. He was also known for his physical strength, strength in character, and honesty.
Presidency: (March 4, 1861 - April 15, 1865 )
Lincoln's first major political appearance was at Cooper Union in New York, in February 1860. When he later become the first Republican president, he had defeated Southern Democrat, John C. Breckinridge, Constitutional Union, John Bell, and Northern Democratic, Stephen Douglas Before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln also lost five separate elections before gaining the big win. South was enraged at the election of President Lincoln on November 6, 1860. Due to this, seven Southern States seceded from the Union, in fear that their would be a federal invasion, before his inauguration on March 1861.
"I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so," Said by Abraham Lincoln in his Inaugural Address.
He became the new Commander in Chief who always, despite of everything, tried to save and maintain the Union. Even with these words, it still did not give any security to the South.
The Civil War Begins: (April 12, 1861)
The Union tried everything to not go to war. The Secretary of State, William Henry Seward, even suggested to threaten war against Spain and France for the interference in Mexico and the Caribbean. He suggested doing this in a united effort, but had no such luck. The Confederacy was morbidly excited and enraged to begin the Civil War. This meant that the bomb was close to exploding.
The explosion happened in 1861 in Charleston, South Carolina. It occurred at Fort Sumter which was a federal outpost. Lincoln opposed to surrender and instead, sent ships to provide the supplies that were needed to defend the fort. Before the sun began its wake on April 12, the Confederates fired on Fort Sumter, beginning the war.
Abraham Lincoln wrote, "The last ray of hope for preserving the Union has expired at the assault upon Fort Sumter..." Sumter had surrendered.
Lincoln believed that the South was just in a state of rebellion. Still stunned with what happened at Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln sent 75,000 militiamen to put down these mavericks.
The Democratic Senator, Stephen Douglass, said, "There can be no neutrals in this war, only patriots-or traitors." This gave the States a difficult decision; to secede or stay in the Union.
(Supporters of the Union: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oregon, California, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.)
Border States (Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri), were states that owned slaves but did not join the Confederacy. These states were essential, being that Missouri and Kentucky controlled important rivers, and Maryland separated Washington D.C. (the Union capital) from the North. Lincoln needed to keep these states on the Union side, and so, sent federal troops to keep them loyal. He also did this in Virginia where it had a strong loyalty to the Union.
In helping the troops, Abraham Lincoln established the U.S. Sanitary Commission in June 1861. This was a "private relief agency" that was made to support wounded and sick soldiers.
Due to the loss of The Battle of Bull Run, Lincoln was forced to get a better trained army. This was the start of his struggle with his military commanders. He finally stuck the jack pot with General Ulysses S. Grant
Emancipation Proclamation: (September 22, 1862)
Issued on January 1, 1863, it was an executive order to free all slaves in the United States where the Union had no control. Abraham Lincoln was urged to make this order by the Abolitionists. He was dubious to make this decision, based on his belief of constitutional power and the effects of the proclamation that could either hurt or help the Union.
"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom." - Emancipation Proclamation, 1862
This document did not end slavery but did transform the character of the war. Abraham Lincoln waited until the victory of The Battle of Antietam to be in a strong primacy. This also hurt the South because of its loss of slaves and its capability carry on the war.
Civil War Continued:
As a reward to African American soldiers, Abraham Lincoln suggested to give them their right to vote in his 1864 election.
Lincoln was aging, his face weary from the war exhaustion. He also had to deal with the tensions that were growing in the North besides running the war.
The Gettysburg Address: (November 19, 1863)
Abraham Lincoln gave this world-famous speech, where he eulogized the bravery of the Union soldiers and reestablished his commitment and dedication in winning the Civil War and with this, preserving the Union.
The Civil War Meets Its End: (April 9 1865)
General William Tecumseh Sherman carried out a plan to lead a path of destruction in the South by destroying railroads and industries. This was key victory and helped Abraham Lincoln win the re-election of 1864. This and General Ulysses S. Grant victory of Richmond, led the South to surrender and ending the Civil War at the Appomattox Courthouse.
After the Civil War:
Abraham Lincoln made the "Ten Percent Plan" readmit the South even before the war ended. He did this so he could reunite and the country as "quickly and painlessly as possible." This plan let an official pardon of the South for all of the "illegal acts supporting the rebellion." In order to receive this they South had to swear on oath to the loyalty of the United States and agree that slavery was illegal. It was called the "Ten Percent Plan" because only ten percent of voters in a state committed these pledges, and they could then form a new government and be readmitted and accepted by the Union. Louisiana was the first to pledge and soon others followed.
The Thirteenth Amendment: (Proposed: January 31, 1865) (Ratified & Took effect: December 18, 1865)
Due to the Emancipation Proclamation, the Congress proposed the Thirteenth Amendment. This was urged by President Abraham Lincoln to make slavery illegal throughout the United States. The amendment was finally put in effect on December 1865.
Abraham Lincoln's Death: (April 15, 1865)
On attendance to the Ford's Theater, located in Washington D.C. on April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln and his wife went to enjoy the play, "Our American Cousin." A southerner who did not agree with Lincoln's policies, was able to sneak into the presidential theater box and shot Abraham Lincoln in the back of his head. There was a boardinghouse across the street where Lincoln was rushed to. There wasn't anything they could do to keep the President alive. At 7:22 in the morning, on April 15, 1865 Abraham Lincoln was pronounced dead. John Wilkes Booth ended Lincoln's dream to see a peaceful and reunited country.
Summary:
What did Abraham Lincoln Do?
Lincoln strongly against the extension of slavery in territories. Therefore he was not a abolitionist but slavery did define his political career.He outstandingly led the nation through the Civil War as smoothly as he could. He was a genius of words and was famous for his debates such as the ones with Senator Stephen Douglas, and led a compelling and powerful defense of the Union and democracy. During and after the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln made a difference and significant contributions such as, the Emancipation Proclamation which led to the Thirteenth Amendment, and a reunited nation.
Why Is He Important?
"Abraham Lincoln is one of the great symbols of American democracy."
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:
1. What was the role of Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War and events leading to the War?
<Commander in Chief and President>
2. Where did Abraham Lincoln make a difference?
<In the lives of enslaved African Americans>
3. How did Abraham Lincoln make a difference?
<Helped end slavery, & reunited the nation>
4. What side did Abraham Lincoln fight or align himself on?
<The Union.... The North>
5. What was the most significant contribution that Abraham Lincoln made during the Civil War era?
<The Emancipation Proclamation which led the end of slavery and helped cripple the South so the war could initially end>