Abraham Lincoln Overview 1861 � 1865

Introduction
Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th President of the United States. He served in
this position from 1861 to 1865. His presidency is considered one of the most
important in the American history. This is because the American Civil War began and
concluded during his presidency. He was the leader of the northern states, known as
the Union, during the Civil War. And he played an instrumental role in securing a
victory for the Union.

Early Life and Childhood

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky but his family later moved to Indiana. His
family was poor and illiterate but his parents encouraged him to read. He became so
fond of reading that he would walk many miles to borrow books. He went on to become
a politician and a lawyer, although he quit politics for a time. He was staunchly
opposed to slavery. So when the American government allowed slavery in the new
lands towards the west, he became angry and rejoined politics to put a stop to it.

Presidency and American Civil War

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln ran for the office of the President. At the time, slavery
was a hot issue and Lincoln made it clear that he was opposed to slavery. Although
the southern states opposed him, he was able to gain a majority in the northern
states and became President. At this, the southern states grew angry and decide to
secede from the Union. They also attacked a U.S. fort in Texas. In response,
Abraham Lincoln decided to fight back. This led to the outbreak of the American
Civil War.

Leadership during the Civil War

Abraham Lincoln�s leadership was critical during the American Civil War. He rallied
the northern states to volunteer troops and resources while spearheading the war
effort. He also kept opposition at bay while picking generals who knew how to
fight. His Gettysburg Address became one of the most iconic proclamations of the
Civil War and the most remembered speech in the American history.

Lincoln and Gettysburg Address

On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. This
address was delivered at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In this address, Lincoln uttered
these lines which have since become immensely famous and well-known:
��this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom � and that government
of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.�

Lincoln and Emancipation Proclamation

The American Civil War began as an attempt to save the Union. However, as the war
continued, Abraham Lincoln chose a greater goal. He decided that this conflict
should also put an end to slavery once and for all. To this end, he made the
Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. In this proclamation, he said that
all the slaves held in the rebellious states were not considered free. With this
single proclamation, he effectively granted freedom to nearly 3.5 million slaves in
the South. Although he didn�t yet the control of the south to ensure this, the
proclamation gave a fresh hope to the slaves who then rallied in great numbers to
the Union�s side.

Assassination and Death

In March, 1865, Abraham Lincoln started his second term as President after being
re-elected. In early April, the last of the major Confederate armies under General
Robert E. Lee surrendered to Lincoln�s commander, General Grant. Five days later,
on April 14, 1865, he was assassinated while attending a play at Ford�s Theatre. He
was buried with great honors and remains one of the greatest leaders in American
history.