Abraham Lincoln
(1809-1865)
WHO HE WAS:
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is revered as one of the nation's most iconic leaders. Born in a log cabin and largely self-taught, Lincoln rose from humble beginnings to guide the country through the Civil War, preserving the Union and emancipating slaves. His eloquence, wisdom, and moral fortitude remain benchmarks of presidential leadership.
WHAT HE SAID:
"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,"
from the Gettysburg Address, encapsulating his vision of the nation.
WHY HE MATTERED:
Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to principles of democracy and human equality changed the course of American history. His Emancipation Proclamation and efforts towards the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment laid the foundation for civil rights in the United States.