Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

https://youtu.be/GlZxX1SfpLo

Certainly! Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He is widely regarded as one of America's greatest presidents and played a crucial role in preserving the Union during the Civil War and ending slavery.

Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County (now LaRue County), Kentucky. He had limited formal education but was an avid reader and largely self-taught. Lincoln worked various jobs before entering politics.

He began his political career as a member of the Illinois State Legislature and later served a single term in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849. Lincoln's opposition to the spread of slavery into new territories gained him prominence in the emerging Republican Party.

In 1860, Lincoln was elected as the first Republican president of the United States. His victory led to the secession of several Southern states, triggering the Civil War. Throughout the conflict, Lincoln faced the enormous challenge of preserving the Union. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.

Lincoln's leadership during the war was marked by determination, strategic thinking, and a commitment to the principles of equality and liberty. His Gettysburg Address in 1863 eloquently expressed the idea that the United States was a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Tragically, Lincoln's life was cut short when he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 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.

Abraham Lincoln's legacy is enduring. He is remembered not only for his role in the preservation of the Union but also for his commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, and equality. The image of Lincoln as the "Great Emancipator" and the leader who guided the nation through its most challenging period remains an integral part of American history.

Early home of Abraham Lincoln.

1809 FEB 12

EARLY LIFE

Certainly! On February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in a humble log cabin in Hardin County (now LaRue County), Kentucky. He was the second child of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln. Lincoln's early life was characterized by the challenges of frontier living, and his family faced economic hardship.

Tragedy struck early in Lincoln's life when his mother passed away when he was just nine years old. This loss had a profound impact on him, and it contributed to the self-education that would shape his future. Despite his limited access to formal schooling, Lincoln had a strong desire for knowledge and a deep love of reading. He borrowed books from neighbors and spent countless hours educating himself.

The Lincoln family moved to Indiana in 1816, seeking better opportunities. Young Abraham helped his father with various manual labor tasks, gaining practical skills and a strong work ethic. The family's struggles continued, and in 1830, they moved once again, this time to Illinois.

Abraham Lincoln's early adulthood was marked by a series of jobs, including rail-splitting, working on a flatboat, and running a store. His experiences in these roles provided valuable insights into the lives of everyday people and shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by those on the frontier.

Lincoln's journey into politics began when he was elected to the Illinois State Legislature in 1834. This marked the beginning of a political career that would eventually propel him to the highest office in the land. The determination, resilience, and self-education that characterized his early years played a crucial role in shaping the man who would become the 16th President of the United States.

Young Abraham Lincoln

1816 DEC 1 - 1830

INDIANA YEARS

From December 1, 1816, to 1830, Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years in Indiana. In 1816, when Lincoln was seven years old, his family moved to Indiana from Kentucky in search of better economic opportunities and improved living conditions on the frontier.

Life in Indiana during this period was challenging. The Lincolns settled in Spencer County, and young Abraham experienced the hardships of pioneer life. The family lived in a small log cabin, and they faced difficulties such as harsh weather, primitive living conditions, and the constant struggle for survival.

Tragedy struck the Lincoln family in 1818 when Abraham's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, passed away. Her death had a profound impact on Lincoln, deepening his sense of loss and motivating him to pursue self-education. Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln, later married Sarah Bush Johnston, a widow, in 1819. Sarah played a crucial role in encouraging Lincoln's love for learning.

Despite the challenges, Lincoln's time in Indiana contributed to his character development. He worked on the family farm, learned practical skills, and became known for his honesty and integrity in the community. Lincoln's self-education continued, with books being scarce on the frontier. He avidly read whenever the opportunity arose and often walked long distances to borrow books from neighbors.

In 1830, seeking new economic opportunities, the Lincoln family made another move, this time to Illinois. The Indiana years were significant in shaping Lincoln's resilience, work ethic, and intellectual curiosity, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors, including a career in law and politics.

Nancy Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's mother died of milk sickness

1818 OCT 5

MOTHER'S DEATH

On October 5, 1818, tragedy struck the Lincoln family when Abraham Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, passed away. This event occurred in Spencer County, Indiana, where the family had settled after moving from Kentucky seeking a better life on the frontier.

Nancy Hanks Lincoln's death had a profound impact on nine-year-old Abraham. Losing his mother at such a young age left an emotional void in his life. The event significantly influenced Lincoln's character and contributed to his strong sense of empathy and understanding of human suffering.

Following Nancy's death, Thomas Lincoln, Abraham's father, faced the challenges of raising three children on the frontier. In 1819, Thomas married Sarah Bush Johnston, a widow, who became a positive influence on Abraham's life. Sarah encouraged his education and provided support during the family's struggles.

The death of Lincoln's mother marked a poignant moment in his early life, shaping his resilience and determination to overcome adversity. It also played a role in fostering his empathy and compassion, qualities that would become evident in his later political career and presidency.

Lincoln as a boy reading at night ©Eastman Johnson

1819 DEC 2

SALLY ENCOURAGES ABRAHAM LINCOLN TO READ

On December 2, 1819, following the death of Abraham Lincoln's mother, Thomas Lincoln, Abraham's father, married Sarah Bush Johnston. Widowed herself, Sarah brought not only her own children into the marriage but also a supportive and nurturing influence into Abraham's life.

One notable aspect of Sarah's impact was her encouragement of Abraham Lincoln's education and love for reading. Recognizing Abraham's intellectual curiosity and the limited formal education he had received, Sarah actively supported his efforts to educate himself. She introduced him to a broader range of books, fostering his appetite for learning and knowledge.

Under Sarah's influence, Lincoln's interest in reading expanded, and he took advantage of every available opportunity to borrow books from neighbors or any source he could find on the frontier. This encouragement and access to more reading material played a crucial role in Lincoln's self-education, contributing to the development of his sharp mind and eloquent communication skills.

Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln became an essential figure in Abraham Lincoln's life, providing not only emotional support but also nurturing his intellectual growth. Her influence contributed to the remarkable qualities that would define Lincoln's later political career and presidency.

An Alfred Waud engraving showing persons traveling down a river by flatboat in the late 1800s.

1828 APR 1

FIRST TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS

On April 1, 1828, at the age of 19, Abraham Lincoln made his first trip to New Orleans. He undertook this journey as part of a flatboat venture down the Mississippi River. This expedition was a significant experience for the young Lincoln, providing him with exposure to a broader world beyond the confines of his rural upbringing.

Lincoln, along with his cousin John Hanks and a hired hand, took a flatboat filled with produce, including pork and corn, down the river to sell in New Orleans. The trip was challenging, and Lincoln had to navigate not only the river's physical challenges but also the complexities of the market in New Orleans.

This journey exposed Lincoln to a more diverse and commercial environment than he had previously encountered. It also offered him insights into the economic realities of the time and the importance of trade and commerce. The experience of steering a flatboat down the Mississippi River and engaging in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans left a lasting impression on Lincoln.

The lessons learned during this trip contributed to Lincoln's practical knowledge and understanding of the broader world, shaping his perspectives as he continued to grow and develop. This venture marked one of the early chapters in Lincoln's diverse life experiences, laying the foundation for the future statesman and leader he would become.

Abraham Lincoln excellend in wrestling.

1831 JUL 1

LINCOLN SETTLES IN NEW SALEM

On July 1, 1831, Abraham Lincoln settled in New Salem, a small frontier village in Illinois. This marked a significant period in Lincoln's life as he transitioned from his earlier years of working odd jobs and wandering to a more settled existence.

In New Salem, Lincoln found employment as a clerk and storekeeper in Denton Offutt's general store. The village, situated along the Sangamon River, offered Lincoln a chance to engage with the local community and establish himself in a more stable occupation.

During his time in New Salem, Lincoln became well-liked by the residents for his friendly nature, honesty, and sense of humor. Despite the limited formal education he had received, Lincoln continued his self-education by voraciously reading books and engaging in discussions with various people in the community.

Lincoln's tenure in New Salem proved to be formative. It was here that he began to show an interest in politics, participating in local debates and gaining a reputation for his eloquence and wit. These experiences in New Salem set the stage for Lincoln's subsequent political career, as he gradually emerged as a figure who would play a crucial role in the history of the United States.

Lincoln depicted protecting a Native American from his own men in a scene often related about Lincoln's war-time service

1832 APR 21 - 1829 JUL 10

CAPTAIN LINCOLN

There appears to be a mistake in the dates you provided. If you could clarify the timeframe you're referring to, I would be happy to provide information about Captain Abraham Lincoln during that period. The correct sequence of years would be helpful in ensuring accuracy in the response.

1833 MAY 1

POSTMASTER AND SURVEYOR

On May 1, 1833, Abraham Lincoln was appointed as the postmaster of New Salem, Illinois. This position involved overseeing the mail services in the local community, reflecting Lincoln's growing involvement in civic affairs. As postmaster, he had the responsibility of receiving and distributing mail to the residents of New Salem.

Around the same time, Lincoln also took on the role of deputy county surveyor. In this capacity, he was involved in surveying and laying out plots of land. While Lincoln was largely self-taught, his aptitude for mathematics and his practical skills made him well-suited for this position.

These early forays into public service and civic responsibilities marked the beginning of Lincoln's political career. His time as postmaster and deputy county surveyor in New Salem allowed him to establish himself in the community and gain valuable experience that would later contribute to his growth as a statesman and leader.

1834 JAN 1 - 1842

ILLINOIS STATE LEGISLATURE

From January 1, 1834, to 1842, Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois State Legislature. His entry into state politics marked a significant phase in his evolving political career.

In 1834, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois State Legislature as a member of the Whig Party. He represented Sangamon County, where New Salem was located. During his tenure, Lincoln focused on issues such as internal improvements, infrastructure development, and economic growth. He was an advocate for the state's internal improvement projects, supporting initiatives like canal construction and railroad development.

Lincoln's commitment to public service and his effectiveness as a legislator became evident during his time in the State Legislature. His ability to connect with people, his reputation for honesty, and his engaging speeches contributed to his rising political prominence.

Lincoln was re-elected for three consecutive terms, serving until 1842. During these years, he continued to refine his political views and develop the skills that would later define his national leadership. His experiences in the Illinois State Legislature were crucial in shaping Lincoln's understanding of governance and solidifying his reputation as a capable and principled politician.

1835 JAN 1 - 1836 SEP 9

LINCOLN STUDIES LAW

From January 1, 1835, to September 9, 1836, Abraham Lincoln intensified his studies of law, embarking on a journey that would eventually lead him to a successful career as a lawyer.

Lincoln's decision to study law was influenced by his experiences and aspirations. Despite having limited formal education, he possessed a keen intellect and a deep-seated desire for self-improvement. His experiences in the Illinois State Legislature exposed him to legal matters and further fueled his interest in the field.

During this period, Lincoln pursued the study of law through a combination of self-directed reading and guidance from local mentors. His commitment to learning and his ability to grasp legal concepts quickly were noteworthy. By September 1836, Lincoln's studies had sufficiently prepared him to seek admission to the bar, marking the beginning of his legal career.

Lincoln's dedication to mastering the law demonstrated his resilience and determination. These qualities, along with his natural aptitude for understanding complex issues, would serve him well in his future legal and political endeavors. The foundation he laid during this period was crucial to his later success as a respected and skilled attorney.

1842 NOV 4

MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN

On November 4, 1842, Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois. Mary Todd was from a prominent Kentucky family, and her marriage to Lincoln marked the beginning of a complex and eventful partnership.

Abraham and Mary Lincoln had four sons together:

Robert Todd Lincoln (1843–1926): The couple's first child, Robert, went on to have a successful career as a lawyer and held various government positions.

Edward Baker Lincoln (1846–1850): Edward, their second son, sadly died at the age of four from tuberculosis.

William Wallace "Willie" Lincoln (1850–1862): Willie also succumbed to illness, passing away at the age of 11, possibly due to typhoid fever.

Thomas "Tad" Lincoln (1853–1871): Tad was the youngest of the Lincoln children and, like his brothers, faced health challenges. He died at the age of 18.

Mary Todd Lincoln played a significant role in Abraham Lincoln's life. Her family connections and social standing added a new dimension to Lincoln's political career. However, Mary Todd faced personal hardships, including the loss of three of her four children and the assassination of her husband.

Abraham Lincoln's marriage and family life were important aspects of his personal journey, and his experiences as a husband and father undoubtedly influenced his perspectives and decisions throughout his political career.

1843 JAN 1 - 1859

PRAIRIE LAWYER

From January 1, 1843, to 1859, Abraham Lincoln established himself as a "Prairie Lawyer," a period during which he built a successful legal practice in Illinois. After his admission to the bar in 1836, Lincoln devoted himself to the study and practice of law.

Lincoln's legal career was characterized by his commitment to fairness, honesty, and his ability to relate to people from all walks of life. He earned a reputation for being a diligent and effective attorney, often representing clients in cases ranging from simple disputes to more complex legal matters.

During this time, Lincoln traveled throughout the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, attending court sessions in various towns. He became well-known for his engaging storytelling, wit, and persuasive oratory in the courtroom. Despite his limited formal education, Lincoln's practical intelligence and keen understanding of human nature contributed to his success as a lawyer.

Lincoln's legal practice provided financial stability for his growing family, and his experiences as a lawyer further developed his understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. While his legal career was prosperous, it also laid the foundation for his return to politics, setting the stage for his future involvement in national affairs.

1847 JAN 1 - 1849

US. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

From January 1, 1847, to 1849, Abraham Lincoln served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. During this period, he represented the state of Illinois in the 30th Congress.

Lincoln, a member of the Whig Party, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1846. His term began on March 4, 1847, and concluded on March 3, 1849. While in Congress, Lincoln focused on issues related to internal improvements, the Mexican-American War, and his strong opposition to the extension of slavery into new territories.

One of Lincoln's notable actions during his term was his introduction of the "Spot Resolutions," in which he questioned the justification for the Mexican-American War, seeking to determine the exact location where hostilities had started. This reflected his growing opposition to what he perceived as an unjust war.

After his term in the House of Representatives, Lincoln returned to Springfield, Illinois, and resumed his law practice. While his time in Congress was relatively brief, it laid the groundwork for his future political career, as he continued to engage with national issues and refine his positions on matters of importance to the country.

1848 JAN 1

CAMPAIGNING FOR ZACHARY TAYLOR

In 1848, Abraham Lincoln actively campaigned for Zachary Taylor, who was running as the Whig Party candidate for President of the United States. Zachary Taylor, a former general in the Mexican-American War, was the Whig nominee in the presidential election of that year.

Lincoln's involvement in the campaign reflected his commitment to the Whig Party and his interest in national politics. During this time, Lincoln was not holding any political office, having served one term in the United States House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849. However, he remained engaged in political activities and continued to express his views on key issues of the day.

Taylor won the presidency in 1848, and Lincoln's campaign efforts likely contributed to the Whig Party's success in that election. While Lincoln did not receive a political appointment in Taylor's administration, his active role in the campaign further solidified his connections within the party and maintained his presence on the national political stage.

1854 OCT 1

RETURN TO POLITICS

On October 1, 1854, Abraham Lincoln returned to active involvement in politics in response to the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act earlier that year. The Kansas-Nebraska Act, sponsored by Senator Stephen A. Douglas, repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and allowed the residents of new territories to decide for themselves whether to permit or prohibit slavery. This move inflamed tensions over the issue of slavery in the United States.

In response to the controversial legislation, Lincoln, who had largely withdrawn from politics after his term in the U.S. House of Representatives (1847-1849), re-entered the political arena. He was deeply troubled by the expansion of slavery into new territories and saw the Kansas-Nebraska Act as a threat to the principles of the Northwest Ordinance and the Missouri Compromise.

Lincoln, now aligned with the newly formed Republican Party, delivered a speech in Peoria, Illinois, on October 1, 1854. In this speech, known as the Peoria Speech, he eloquently articulated his opposition to the extension of slavery into the territories and emphasized the importance of preserving the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

This marked the beginning of Lincoln's increased involvement in anti-slavery politics and his transformation into a prominent figure within the Republican Party. The events following the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape that ultimately led to Lincoln's nomination and election as the 16th President of the United States.

1858 AUG 1 - OCT

LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATES

From August 1 to October of 1858, Abraham Lincoln engaged in a series of famous debates with Stephen A. Douglas during the Illinois Senate race. The two candidates were vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate, and the debates are now commonly known as the Lincoln-Douglas Debates.

The debates were held in seven different Illinois cities: Ottawa, Freeport, Jonesboro, Charleston, Galesburg, Quincy, and Alton. One of the central issues discussed during these debates was the extension of slavery into the newly formed territories and states. Lincoln, running as the Republican candidate, opposed the spread of slavery, while Douglas, a Democrat, advocated for the concept of popular sovereignty, allowing each territory or state to decide the slavery issue through local legislation.

The most famous of these debates occurred on October 13, 1858, in Freeport, where Lincoln posed a question to Douglas that would later be known as the "Freeport Doctrine." Lincoln asked whether, in light of popular sovereignty, a territory could exclude slavery before reaching statehood, effectively putting Douglas in a difficult position on the slavery issue.

Although Lincoln lost the Senate race to Douglas, the debates catapulted him onto the national stage and elevated his status as a leading figure within the Republican Party. His performance in these debates helped set the stage for his future political career, including his successful run for the presidency in 1860.

1860 FEB 27

COOPER UNION SPEECH

On February 27, 1860, Abraham Lincoln delivered a pivotal speech at the Cooper Union in New York City. This speech is often referred to as the "Cooper Union Address" and is considered a significant moment in Lincoln's political career, contributing to his nomination as the Republican candidate for the presidency later that year.

At the time, the issue of slavery was a major point of contention in the United States. In the Cooper Union Address, Lincoln sought to clarify his stance on slavery and its expansion into the western territories. He argued that the framers of the Constitution intended to limit the spread of slavery and that the federal government had the authority to regulate its expansion.

Lincoln's Cooper Union Address aimed to appeal to a national audience and dispel misconceptions about his views on slavery. He presented a well-researched and reasoned argument, asserting that the Founding Fathers' vision for the country was anti-slavery. He also refuted the idea that the Constitution protected the institution of slavery in the territories.

The speech received positive reviews and enhanced Lincoln's reputation as a serious and articulate statesman. It played a crucial role in securing support for his candidacy, and Lincoln went on to win the Republican nomination for the presidency in 1860. His victory in the presidential election later that year ultimately led to his inauguration as the 16th President of the United States.

1860 NOV 6

PRESIDENT LINCOLN

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States. Running as the Republican candidate, Lincoln secured a decisive victory in the electoral college, winning 180 electoral votes against his opponents.

The 1860 election was a pivotal moment in American history. The nation was deeply divided over issues such as slavery, and Lincoln's victory in the electoral college highlighted the growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states. Lincoln's election prompted a swift reaction from several Southern states, leading to their secession from the Union.

Lincoln's inauguration took place on March 4, 1861, and he entered office at a time when the nation was on the brink of the Civil War. His presidency would be defined by the challenges of preserving the Union and navigating the complex issues surrounding slavery. Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to the principles of freedom and equality have solidified his place as one of the most revered presidents in American history.

https://youtu.be/38KcVu5DkhA?si=nrpwhz6lxIAOBC-9

1861 APR 12 - 1865 MAY 26

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

The American Civil War took place from April 12, 1861, to May 26, 1865, and it remains one of the most significant and transformative events in U.S. history. The conflict arose primarily from long-standing tensions between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic differences.

Key Events of the Civil War:

Fort Sumter (April 12-14, 1861): The war began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, a federal fort in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. This event marked the formal beginning of hostilities between the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy).

First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861): A significant early battle in Virginia that shattered the illusion of a quick and easy war. Both sides realized the conflict would be long and challenging.

Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863): President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free. While this did not immediately free all slaves, it shifted the war's focus towards ending slavery.

Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863): A pivotal battle in Pennsylvania where Union forces, led by General George Meade, successfully repelled Confederate General Robert E. Lee's invasion. It is considered a turning point in the war.

1864 Presidential Election: Despite ongoing conflict, President Lincoln won re-election, defeating Democratic candidate George McClellan. This demonstrated Northern support for continuing the war.

Appomattox Court House (April 9, 1865): General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (April 14, 1865): Just days after the war's end, President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

End of Confederate Resistance (May 26, 1865): Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith surrendered, marking the end of organized Confederate resistance and the effective conclusion of the Civil War.

The Civil War had a profound impact on the United States, leading to the abolition of slavery, a redefinition of federal power, and the beginning of the Reconstruction era, during which the nation sought to rebuild and address the challenges posed by the war.

https://youtu.be/xh3-9R7Q0OE

1863 JAN 1

EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a historic executive order that declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be "forever free." The Emancipation Proclamation marked a significant turning point in the American Civil War and had profound implications for the institution of slavery in the United States.

Key points about the Emancipation Proclamation:

Military Measure: The Emancipation Proclamation was primarily framed as a military necessity. Lincoln justified it as a wartime measure aimed at weakening the Confederate war effort by depriving the Southern states of their labor force.

Limited Scope: The proclamation did not immediately free all enslaved individuals. It applied only to states that were in rebellion against the Union, exempting slaveholding border states that remained loyal to the Union.

Symbolic and Political Significance: While it did not instantly end slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation had powerful symbolic and political significance. It shifted the Union's focus from solely preserving the Union to also addressing the issue of slavery, aligning the war's purpose with the broader goal of emancipation.

Inspired African American Recruitment: The proclamation paved the way for the recruitment of African American soldiers into the Union Army. Approximately 180,000 African Americans served in the Union forces, contributing significantly to the war effort.

International Impact: The Emancipation Proclamation also had international implications. It discouraged European powers, particularly Britain and France, from recognizing the Confederacy, as those countries were strongly anti-slavery.

Precedent for the 13th Amendment: While the Emancipation Proclamation did not abolish slavery in its entirety, it set the stage for the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1865, which permanently abolished slavery throughout the country.

The Emancipation Proclamation is regarded as one of the most significant documents in American history, as it played a crucial role in reshaping the character and goals of the Civil War and ultimately contributed to the end of slavery in the United States.

https://youtu.be/h9C67R9FzQE

1863 NOV 19

GETTYSBURG ADDRESS

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address during the dedication ceremony of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The address is one of the most famous speeches in American history and is considered a masterful expression of the principles of democracy, dedication to the Union, and the pursuit of equality.

Key points about the Gettysburg Address:

Context: The address came during the American Civil War, four and a half months after the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, where Union forces defeated the Confederacy in a battle with substantial casualties.

Brief yet Powerful: Despite its brevity—just over two minutes—Lincoln's address eloquently conveyed the purpose of the war, the significance of the battlefield, and the principles of democracy.

Opening Lines: Lincoln began with the memorable words, "Four score and seven years ago," referring to the start of the United States in 1776, emphasizing the idea that the nation was conceived in liberty.

Union and Equality: Lincoln highlighted the importance of preserving the Union and the idea that the American experiment was testing whether a nation "conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" could endure.

Call for National Dedication: Lincoln called for a rededication to the principles of freedom and equality, urging the living to ensure "that these dead shall not have died in vain" and that government "of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Enduring Impact: While initially met with a mixed response, the Gettysburg Address has become one of the most revered speeches in American history. Its emphasis on national unity and the pursuit of equality has resonated across generations.

The Gettysburg Address encapsulates Lincoln's vision of a united nation and has left an indelible mark on American history as a timeless expression of democratic ideals.

1864 NOV 8

REELECTION

On November 8, 1864, Abraham Lincoln was reelected as the President of the United States. Running for a second term during the Civil War, Lincoln faced challenges and uncertainties as the nation grappled with the ongoing conflict.

Key points about Lincoln's reelection in 1864:

War-weary Nation: The Civil War had been ongoing for several years, and the country was weary of the conflict. The outcome of the war was uncertain, and there were calls for peace negotiations.

Union Party: Lincoln ran for reelection as the candidate of the National Union Party, a coalition that included Republicans and War Democrats. His running mate was Andrew Johnson, a Southern Democrat who would later become Lincoln's vice president and succeed him after his assassination.

Opponent and Criticisms: Lincoln's main opponent was General George B. McClellan, who had previously served as a Union general. McClellan ran as the candidate of the Democratic Party. He campaigned on a platform calling for a negotiated peace with the Confederacy.

Fall of Atlanta: The Union achieved a significant military victory with the capture of Atlanta on September 2, 1864. This triumph bolstered Lincoln's chances for reelection by boosting Northern morale and demonstrating progress in the war effort.

Vote of Confidence: Lincoln's leadership during a critical period of American history and his commitment to preserving the Union garnered support. The electorate, despite the challenges and criticisms, saw Lincoln as the leader who could guide the nation through the final stages of the Civil War.

Electoral College Victory: Lincoln won a convincing victory in the electoral college, securing 212 electoral votes to McClellan's 21. The popular vote was also in Lincoln's favor, reflecting the confidence of the electorate in his ability to lead the nation through the war.

Lincoln's reelection in 1864 ensured that he would continue to serve as president during the final stages of the Civil War and the early phases of the Reconstruction era. His leadership during this critical time played a vital role in shaping the future of the United States.

https://youtu.be/hVLM0BSqx5o

1865 APR 14

ASSASSINATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

On the evening of April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was assassinated at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. The assassination occurred just days after the end of the Civil War, and it had a profound impact on the nation's history.

Key points about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln:

Assassin: John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer and actor, was the man responsible for the assassination. He had plotted with a group of conspirators to simultaneously assassinate several high-ranking officials in the Union government.

Ford's Theatre: Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, were attending a play, "Our American Cousin," at Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14. During the play, Booth entered the President's theater box and shot Lincoln in the back of the head.

Escape and Pursuit: After shooting Lincoln, Booth escaped from Ford's Theatre, and a massive manhunt was launched to capture him and his co-conspirators. Booth was eventually found and killed by Union soldiers on April 26, 1865, in Virginia.

Lincoln's Death: Following the assassination, Abraham Lincoln was carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he succumbed to his injuries the next day, on April 15, 1865. His death marked the first assassination of a U.S. president.

Impact on the Nation: Lincoln's assassination had a profound impact on the United States during a critical period of its history. His death altered the course of Reconstruction and had lasting effects on the relationship between the North and the South.

Succession by Andrew Johnson: Vice President Andrew Johnson, who had been targeted for assassination but escaped unharmed, became the 17th President of the United States following Lincoln's death.

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most tragic events in American history. Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War and his vision for Reconstruction had a lasting impact on the nation, and his untimely death changed the trajectory of post-war policies and political developments.

1865 MAY 4

FUNERAL AND BURIAL

Abraham Lincoln's funeral and burial took place in the aftermath of his assassination on April 14, 1865. The events surrounding his death were significant moments in American history, and his funeral proceedings were extensive and deeply mournful.

Key points about Abraham Lincoln's funeral and burial:

Lying in State: After Abraham Lincoln's death on April 15, his body was placed in the East Room of the White House, where it lay in state for a period of mourning. Thousands of people visited to pay their respects.

Funeral Train Journey: Lincoln's body was then placed on a funeral train for a solemn journey from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois, his hometown. The funeral train traveled through multiple cities and states, allowing people to mourn and pay tribute along the route.

Public Mourning: The funeral train made stops in major cities, including Baltimore, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York City, Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, and Chicago. The public turnout for these stops was immense, with people lining the tracks to catch a glimpse of the funeral procession.

Springfield, Illinois: On May 3, 1865, Lincoln's body arrived in Springfield, where it lay in state at the State Capitol. A public funeral service was held, and thousands gathered to bid farewell to their fallen leader.

Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery: On May 4, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. A simple but poignant ceremony took place, with family, friends, and dignitaries present. His tomb, known as the Lincoln Tomb, became a place of national pilgrimage.

Impact on the Nation: Lincoln's funeral and burial were not only moments of personal grief for the nation but also events that marked the end of a tumultuous period in American history—the Civil War. His legacy continued to influence the Reconstruction era and the nation's path toward healing and unity.

Abraham Lincoln's funeral and burial were unprecedented in scale and were reflective of the deep grief felt by the American people after the loss of a leader who had guided the nation through one of its most challenging periods. The solemn events surrounding his death became an integral part of American historical memory.

1866 JAN 1

EPILOGUE

As of January 1, 1866, the nation was grappling with the aftermath of the American Civil War, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and the process of Reconstruction. This period served as an epilogue to the events that had transpired during the war and marked the beginning of a new chapter in American history.

Key points about the epilogue to the Civil War and Lincoln's presidency:

Reconstruction: The process of Reconstruction was underway, with the aim of rebuilding the Southern states and reintegrating them into the Union. This period would involve political, social, and economic changes, as well as the establishment of new civil rights for freed slaves.

Legacy of Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln's legacy loomed large over the nation. His leadership during the war and his vision for a reunited and reconstructed United States left a lasting impact on the country. The principles articulated in the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation continued to shape national discourse.

Challenges of Reconstruction: The post-war era presented significant challenges, including the reintegration of Confederate states, addressing issues of racial inequality, and determining the balance of power between the federal and state governments. These challenges would shape the course of American history for decades to come.

Presidency of Andrew Johnson: Following Lincoln's assassination, Andrew Johnson assumed the presidency. Johnson faced the formidable task of navigating the complexities of Reconstruction and fostering national healing.

13th Amendment: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which had been passed in 1865, officially abolished slavery in the United States. This marked a critical step toward fulfilling the promise of emancipation.

Continued Struggles: Despite the end of the war, the nation grappled with ongoing tensions, political divisions, and the formidable task of rebuilding a war-torn society. The wounds inflicted during the Civil War and the process of Reconstruction would continue to shape American society for years to come.

The year 1866 marked a period of transition and reflection, as the nation sought to reconcile its fractured past and move forward into an uncertain future. The principles and ideals articulated by Lincoln and the challenges faced during Reconstruction would shape the trajectory of the United States as it worked towards healing and unity.