Abraham Lincoln

p 8 Abraham Lincoln

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Abraham Lincoln remained the most cherished American Presidents due to his political philosophy and practical contributions toward the American political and social system . This takes into account various facets of his political career and highlights his achievements as President of United States . His contributions toward the abolition of slavery and preservation of the Union have been elaborated in minute details with a deep insight into his political philosophy Abraham Lincoln When Lincoln ascended to

the presidency few people could anticipate that he would go down in the American history as the one of the greatest Presidents . On the other hand it was feared that Lincoln would not be able to provide a strong leadership which was so badly needed when he assumed the office . It goes to his credit that he successfully steered the country through the difficult times and preserved the Union . In subsequent years , his reputations kept on swelling and now he is considered not only America 's ablest President , but also one of the most powerful figures in history . He has earned his reputation for the following achievements

Abolition of Slavery

Emergence of Lincoln was the most important factor that gave a new turn to the sectional conflict . Lincoln 's views on slavery were well known While accepting nomination for Senate , Lincoln had declared in his speech this government can not endure permanently half-slave and half free ' Springfield , Illinois , June 16 , 1858 (Barrett , 160 ) he further said that agitation would continue until a crisis has been reached and passed . But Lincoln did not believe in abolishing slavery by one stroke , as he did , but by through a gradual and lengthy process . But Northerners ' stanch demand for abolition of slavery forced Lincoln to proclaim on September 22 , 1862 in his capacity of Commander-in-chief of the army that on the first day of January A .D . 1863 , all persons held as slaves within any state or a designated part of a state the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then , thenceforward , and for ever free (Lincoln , 1863 ) By this Proclamation of Emancipation slavery was not abolished from all over United States because the proclamation was only to apply to the rebellious states of South . The slavery in other areas was abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865 . But all credit goes to Lincoln who set an impetus for the constitutional abolition of slavery

Preservation of the Union

Another great achievement of Lincoln which has won him high appreciation and place in the history of America was the preservation of the Union To Lincoln the preservation of the union was important not only because he did not want to see the country , which he loved so much , divided . He wanted to preserve the Union because he saw in it the principle of democracy and self-government , at the stake . The division of the United States into two separate and hostile confederations would...