Abraham Lincoln: The Man Who Saved the Union
One of the most significant presidents in American history was Abraham Lincoln. He successfully led the nation’s greatest test, the American Civil War, and brought an end to slavery in the country. He was also a self-made man who advanced from impoverished beginnings to the nation’s top position.
In a small cabin in Kentucky, on February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. His parents were illiterate farmers who lived in poverty. Lincoln received very little formal education, but he adored reading and learning new things. He successfully practiced law and entered politics after teaching himself the subject. He joined the newly formed Republican Party, which was against the spread of slavery throughout the territories. He rose to fame as a result of his arguments with Democratic senator Stephen A. Douglas, who favored the notion of popular sovereignty, or the idea that each territory should decide whether or not to permit slavery.
Lincoln won the presidency of the United States in 1860. Following his victory, 11 Southern states seceded to form the Confederate States of America. They were concerned that Lincoln would end slavery and put their way of life in jeopardy. Lincoln vowed that he would do everything in his power to keep the Union intact while maintaining that he had no wish to interfere with slavery wherever it existed.
