Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln is best remembered for leading the nation through the American Civil War from 1861 until his assassination in 1865.

Lincoln was born in rural Kentucky, and his frontier upbringing later became part of his political identity. Lincoln rose quickly through the political ranks, and was elected President of the United States as the American Civil War began. Lincoln’s decisive leadership throughout the Civil War was key in maintaining the support of Union states.

Lincoln's assassination led to his status as a national martyr, dying for the cause of ending slavery and reunifying the country. Lincoln is often remembered as one of the most important political figures and presidents in U.S. history. His legacy has reached that of sacred status, where he is seen as a lasting symbol of moral good and upstanding values – a status that has continued into the 21st century.