Abraham Lincoln
- Born:
- February 12, 1809, Sinking Spring Farm, Kentucky, United States
- Died:
- April 15, 1865, Petersen House, Washington, D.C., United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Politician, Statesman
Early Life and Education
- Born in a log cabin in Kentucky to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
- Largely self-educated, demonstrating a strong aptitude for learning.
- Worked various manual labor jobs to support his family.
- Read law in his spare time and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1836.
Career and Major Achievements
- Elected to the Illinois State Legislature (1834-1842).
- Served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois (1847-1849).
- Gained national prominence through his debates with Stephen Douglas during the 1858 Senate campaign.
- Elected as the 16th President of the United States (1861-1865).
- Led the Union through the American Civil War (1861-1865).
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation (1863), declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate territories.
- Signed the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery (1865).
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address, a landmark speech in American history.
Notable Works
- Gettysburg Address
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Cooper Union Address
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. His leadership during the Civil War preserved the Union and ended slavery. His commitment to equality and justice continues to inspire generations. He is often studied, even in contexts such as a 'bhartrihari biography of abraham', highlighting the broad influence of historical figures.