|
Abraham Lincoln’s History: (1809 - 1865)
Youth
Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky on February 12, 1809. Lincoln
grew up in Kentucky and Indiana during a rough era of an expanding frontier. Lincoln
spent his formative years working with his father at farming.
Abraham loved to read and study as a child. His education was erratic
at times, but he attended school as time allowed and studied on his own when books were
available to him.
Abraham was exposed to tragedy in his early years. His brother died in
infancy in 1812. His mother passed away when he was 9 years old.
In 1832, Lincoln served for a short time in the military during the
Black Hawk War (1).
Abraham worked as a clerk in a store after the war. It is believed
that he earned the nickname “Honest Abe” because of his attention to honest
dealings with customers at the store.
Difficult Times:
Lincoln had a share of disappointing setbacks; but he always forged ahead, refusing to be
defeated. He ran for the legislature in Illinois in 1832 and lost. His business venture
as a partner in a small store failed in 1833. Lincoln found himself in debt and unsure
how to resolve his problems. A woman named Ann Rutledge, who Lincoln cared for died in
1835. Severe bouts of depression plagued him during these times (1).
Better Times:
Lincoln overcame his troubles through study and hard work. He became a lawyer in 1836. He
developed a relatively successful practice in Springfield, Illinois. He married Mary Todd
on November 4, 1842. Lincoln won election to the House of Representatives in 1846.
Slavery:
Abraham Lincoln had long standing views in opposition slavery. By 1855 slavery had become
a very volatile issue. Lincoln vocally opposed the spread of slavery and the dividing
effect it was having on the nation.
A Rough Presidency:
On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as president of the United States.
The southern states did not welcome the election of President Lincoln.
Lincoln’s Republican presidency was perceived as a threat to slavery and the
southern way of life. Before Lincoln served one day in office, seven states had succeeded
from the Union.
Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated to the presidency on March 4,
1861.
Civil War:
On April 12, South Carolina, the first state to succeed from the union attacked Fort
Sumter. This attack on a federal facility effectively started the Civil War (1).
Four years of Civil War ensued in America as brother fought brother.
The time was disheartening for the whole country without the exception of its president.
As events unfolded at Gettysburg, the Union gained a clear advantage that was sure to
bring victory. On November 19, 1863, Lincoln gave a powerful speech—the
“Gettysburg Address.” In his speech, he gave respect to those who fought and
died on the battlefield. The Gettysburg Address also served to remind all Americans of
the importance of their government which was founded by the people and for the people
with the principles of freedom and equality for all men.
Finally, after four long years of self-destruction, General Grant
accepted General Robert E. Lee’s surrender on April 9, 1865.
Assasination:
Less than one week after the Civil War ended (April 14,1865), John Wilkes Booth shot
President Lincoln in the back of the head as he watched a theater performance.
President Abraham Lincoln died the next morning at a house across the
street from the theater where he was being treated for his wound (April 15, 1865).
- Article by Wes Fessler
 MORE HOLIDAYS
at Family Fun Shop |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WAIT!  There's more to explore!
See our sitemap or go to our homepage to find more fun.
Sources:
1. sc94.ameslab.gov “Abraham Lincoln”
http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/alincoln.html [Accessed 21 June 2007]
2. The History Place “Lincoln”
http://historyplace.com/lincon/ [Accessed 21 June 2007] |
