Abraham Lincoln

Introduction

The history of the United States is marked by the leadership of numerous presidents, each with unique qualities and contributions. From George Washington, who set the precedent for the presidency, to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who led the country through the Great Depression and World War II, to more recent presidents like Barack Obama and Joe Biden, every president has left a legacy. But when the question arises — "Which president was the best for America?" — one name consistently stands out: Abraham Lincoln.

Serving during the most tumultuous period in American history, Lincoln preserved the Union during the Civil War, abolished slavery, and laid the foundation for modern democracy. His leadership was grounded in moral integrity, strategic vision, and exceptional communication skills. This journal will explore in depth why Abraham Lincoln is widely considered the greatest American president, examining his background, presidency, key achievements, leadership style, and enduring legacy.

Background: The Rise of a Humble Leader

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. His early life was marked by poverty and hardship. Despite limited formal education, Lincoln developed a deep love for reading and self-education. His humble beginnings gave him a strong sense of empathy and moral clarity, qualities that later defined his presidency.

Lincoln’s early political career included serving in the Illinois State Legislature and a single term in the U.S. House of Representatives. However, he rose to national prominence during the 1858 debates with Stephen A. Douglas over the expansion of slavery. Though he lost that Senate race, his eloquence and principled stance against slavery gained him national attention, leading to his presidential nomination in 1860 by the newly formed Republican Party.

Election and Immediate Challenges

Lincoln was elected as the 16th president of the United States in 1860. His election triggered a crisis: seven Southern states seceded from the Union even before his inauguration, fearing he would abolish slavery. By the time Lincoln took office in March 1861, the country was already on the brink of civil war.

Rather than giving in to Southern pressure or attempting appeasement, Lincoln stood firm. He refused to recognize the legitimacy of secession and made it clear that preserving the Union was his top priority. His first major test came with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861, which marked the official start of the Civil War.

Lincoln's Leadership During the Civil War

Lincoln's presidency is inextricably linked to the American Civil War (1861–1865). The war was not just a military conflict; it was a moral and constitutional crisis. Lincoln had to navigate complex political waters: keeping the border states loyal, managing public opinion, balancing radical and moderate factions within his party, and leading the military effort.

Preserving the Union

Lincoln’s unwavering commitment to preserving the Union was perhaps his most defining trait. He saw the Union not just as a political arrangement but as a moral cause. In his First Inaugural Address, he appealed to the "better angels of our nature" and made it clear that secession was legally void. Throughout the war, he refused to recognize the Confederacy as a legitimate nation.

Despite multiple military setbacks, including early defeats at Bull Run and Fredericksburg, Lincoln maintained public confidence and adjusted military strategies, eventually finding in Ulysses S. Grant the general capable of delivering victory.

The Emancipation Proclamation

One of Lincoln’s most monumental decisions was the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. While initially framed as a military necessity, it had profound moral and political implications. It declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territories were free. Although it did not immediately free all enslaved people, it fundamentally transformed the nature of the war — from a conflict to preserve the Union to a fight for human freedom.

The Proclamation also discouraged foreign nations, particularly Britain and France, from recognizing or aiding the Confederacy. It allowed for the enlistment of African American soldiers, adding over 180,000 troops to the Union cause.

Lincoln’s Communication Skills

Lincoln was a master communicator. His speeches combined moral clarity with rhetorical brilliance. They were deeply rooted in the American founding ideals, such as liberty, equality, and democracy.

The Gettysburg Address

Delivered on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of a national cemetery, the Gettysburg Address is perhaps the most iconic speech in American history. In just 272 words, Lincoln redefined the American experiment:

“...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

These words captured the essence of democratic governance and remain a touchstone of American identity.

Re-Election in 1864: Triumph of Democracy

In 1864, with the war still raging, Lincoln faced a difficult re-election. Many believed he would lose. His Democratic opponent, George B. McClellan, campaigned on negotiating peace with the Confederacy — potentially allowing slavery to survive.

However, significant Union victories in Atlanta and the Shenandoah Valley turned the tide of public opinion. Lincoln won decisively, receiving 212 of 233 electoral votes. His victory was a triumph of democratic resilience, demonstrating that free elections could occur even during civil war.

Assassination and Immediate Impact

Just days after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the war, Lincoln was assassinated by Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. His death shocked the nation and elevated him to martyrdom.

Had Lincoln lived, he likely would have steered the country through Reconstruction with greater unity and compassion. His plan, known as the "10 Percent Plan," was lenient toward the South, aiming for quick reunification. In his Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln had already called for healing:

“With malice toward none, with charity for all…”

His death left a vacuum filled by lesser leaders, and the post-war period descended into bitter division and racial conflict.

Legacy and Long-Term Contributions

Lincoln’s presidency fundamentally reshaped the United States. His contributions have had long-lasting effects on the American political and moral landscape.

1. Abolition of Slavery

The Thirteenth Amendment, passed in December 1865, legally abolished slavery in the United States. Though Lincoln did not live to see it ratified, his leadership made it possible. The amendment laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

2. Strengthening the Federal Government

Lincoln reasserted the primacy of the federal government over states' rights. His actions during the Civil War — from suspending habeas corpus to expanding executive powers — set precedents for future presidents in times of crisis. While controversial, these decisions helped preserve national unity.

3. Preserving Democracy

Lincoln’s insistence on free elections during the Civil War was a powerful message to the world that democracy could survive even the gravest challenges. His example inspired leaders like Winston Churchill during WWII and remains a beacon for emerging democracies worldwide.

4. American Identity and Unity

More than any other president, Lincoln helped forge a national identity grounded in shared values. By invoking the Declaration of Independence and emphasizing equality, he shifted the moral foundation of the nation from the Constitution’s compromises to the Declaration’s ideals.

Counterarguments and Criticism

While Lincoln is widely revered, some historians and critics have pointed out areas of concern:

Suspension of Civil Liberties: Lincoln suspended habeas corpus and allowed the military to arrest civilians without trial, especially in border states. Critics argue this overstepped constitutional limits.

Racial Views: Although Lincoln opposed slavery, some of his earlier statements suggest he did not initially believe in full racial equality. However, his views evolved significantly over time, especially during the war.

Native American Policy: Lincoln’s administration was involved in the suppression of Native American uprisings, such as the execution of 38 Dakota men in 1862, the largest mass execution in U.S. history. This aspect of his presidency is often overlooked but deserves critical scrutiny.

Despite these criticisms, the broader consensus remains that Lincoln's presidency was overwhelmingly beneficial to the United States.

Comparison with Other Great Presidents

While other presidents have made immense contributions, Lincoln’s impact stands apart.

George Washington established the presidency but did not face a crisis like the Civil War.

Franklin D. Roosevelt led through the Great Depression and WWII but expanded government in ways still debated.

Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence but owned slaves.

Theodore Roosevelt expanded America's global influence but also had imperialist tendencies.

Lincoln, by contrast, combined moral vision, constitutional fidelity, and unmatched leadership during an existential national crisis.

Modern Relevance

Lincoln’s legacy is not confined to history books. His ideals resonate deeply in modern America.

In debates about racial justice, Lincoln’s efforts are cited as foundational.

In times of division, his calls for unity serve as a moral compass.

During crises, presidents often invoke Lincoln’s name when justifying extraordinary measures.

Barack Obama, the first Black president, explicitly cited Lincoln as his hero and took his oath of office on Lincoln’s Bible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln was not only the most influential American president but also one of the greatest leaders in world history. His unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and national unity came at a time when the nation was falling apart. He preserved the Union, abolished slavery, and redefined what it meant to be American.

Though he lived during the 19th century, his legacy continues to shape the United States today. From civil rights to national unity, from moral leadership to democratic resilience, Abraham Lincoln remains the gold standard by which all American presidents are judged.

As Lincoln himself once said:

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present... As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.”

This spirit of renewal, courage, and moral clarity makes Lincoln not just a great American president — but arguably the greatest.