Quotations

Quote for the Week

Image created by ChatGPT

"It is not best to swap horses while crossing a river."

- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was the 16th President of the United States, from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He is widely regarded as one of America's greatest presidents, primarily due to his leadership during the American Civil War and his efforts to end slavery.

Early Life

Lincoln was born on 12 February 1809 in a log cabin in Hardin County (now LaRue County), Kentucky. His family moved to Indiana and later to Illinois during his childhood. Lincoln had limited formal education but was an avid reader and largely self-taught.

Law and Politics

Lincoln began his political career in the Illinois State Legislature in the 1830s. He later served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849. Lincoln gained national attention during a series of debates in 1858 against Stephen A. Douglas during the Illinois Senate race, where he articulated his anti-slavery views.

Presidency

Lincoln, a member of the newly formed Republican Party, won the 1860 presidential election. His election triggered the secession of Southern states, leading to the Civil War between the Northern (Union) and Southern (Confederate) states.

Civil War

Lincoln's presidency was dominated by the Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865. He navigated the country through its darkest period, making critical decisions to preserve the Union and ultimately abolish slavery. Emancipation Proclamation In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free. While it didn't immediately free all slaves, it shifted the focus of the war to include the abolition of slavery as a central goal. Gettysburg Address In November 1863, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, a brief but powerful speech that emphasised the principles of equality and democracy and memorialised those who had died in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Re-election and Second Term

Despite facing significant political challenges and opposition, Lincoln was re-elected in 1864. His second term was marked by plans for post-war reconstruction.

Assassination

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on 14 April 1865 while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. He died the following day, making him the first U.S. president to be assassinated.

Lincoln's leadership during a critical period in American history, his commitment to preserving the Union, and his role in ending slavery have solidified his legacy as one of the nation's most revered leaders.

Become a member to access to our complete collection of over 400 quotations

About Learning Pages | Support us | Latest Resources