# Abraham Lincoln

> president of the United States from 1861 to 1865 (1809-1865)

**Wikidata**: [Q91](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q91)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abraham-lincoln

## Summary

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Hodgenville [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. He held United States citizenship [16] and had a diverse career as a politician, postmaster, lawyer, statesperson, farmer, and military officer [17]. Lincoln's faith was rooted in the Baptists .In his personal life, Lincoln was married to Mary Todd Lincoln from 1842 until his death in 1865 [8][1]. The couple had four children: Edward Baker Lincoln, Tad Lincoln, Robert Todd Lincoln, and William Wallace Lincoln [8][18][19]. Lincoln's literary influences included the Bible, Sufferings in Africa, and The Pilgrim’s Progress [20].Throughout his career, Lincoln held various positions, including member of the United States House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849, President of the United States from 1861 to 1865, member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1834 to 1842, and President-elect of the United States from 1860 to 1861 [21]. Lincoln's life was cut short when he was shot to the head  and died on April 15, 1865, in Washington, D.C. [2][3][22][6][23][5][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][24].

## Summary
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, serving from 1861 to 1865, and a prominent lawyer and politician. He is best known for leading the Union during the American Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery in Confederate-held territories.

## Biography
- Born: February 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Kentucky
- Nationality: American
- Education: Self-educated; attended local schools and read extensively
- Known for: Presiding over the Union during the Civil War and abolishing slavery
- Employer(s): United States Department of Agriculture (post-presidency)
- Field(s): Politics, law, abolitionism

## Contributions
- **Emancipation Proclamation (1863)**: Executive order declaring enslaved people in Confederate states free, a pivotal step toward abolishing slavery.
- **Gettysburg Address (1863)**: Iconic speech emphasizing the principles of liberty and equality.
- **Presidency (1861–1865)**: Led the Union through the Civil War, preserving the nation and ending slavery.
- **Patent (1849)**: Invented a device for lifting boats over shoals, demonstrating his engineering skills.
- **Lincoln Bible**: Used a personal Bible during his presidency, which is now a historical artifact.

## FAQs
**What was Abraham Lincoln's most significant achievement?**
Lincoln's most significant achievement was leading the Union to victory in the Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery in Confederate territories.

**Where did Abraham Lincoln work before becoming president?**
Before becoming president, Lincoln worked as a lawyer, postmaster, and politician in Illinois and Kentucky.

**What was the Gettysburg Address about?**
The Gettysburg Address was a speech delivered by Lincoln during the Civil War, emphasizing the principles of democracy, equality, and the need for national unity.

**How did Abraham Lincoln die?**
Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

**What was the Emancipation Proclamation?**
The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by Lincoln in 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states free, a major step toward abolishing slavery.

## Why They Matter
Abraham Lincoln's presidency reshaped the United States, ending slavery and preserving the nation during its most tumultuous period. His leadership during the Civil War and his advocacy for equality continue to influence American politics and history. The Emancipation Proclamation remains a landmark in the fight for civil rights, and his speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address, are studied worldwide. Lincoln's legacy endures as a symbol of leadership, integrity, and the pursuit of justice.

## Notable For
- First president to issue an Emancipation Proclamation
- Author of the Gettysburg Address, one of the most famous speeches in history
- Led the Union to victory in the Civil War
- Invented a device for lifting boats over shoals, demonstrating his engineering skills
- Used a personal Bible during his presidency, which is now a historical artifact

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He was self-educated, attending local schools and reading extensively. His early life was marked by hardship, including the loss of his mother and the death of his first wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.

### Career and Politics
Lincoln began his career as a lawyer and postmaster, working in Illinois and Kentucky. He entered politics in the 1830s, serving in the Illinois House of Representatives and later as a U.S. Representative. His rise to the presidency was marked by his leadership during the Civil War.

### Presidency and Civil War
Lincoln's presidency from 1861 to 1865 was defined by the Civil War. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states free. His leadership during the war preserved the Union and laid the groundwork for the abolition of slavery.

### Legacy and Influence
Abraham Lincoln's legacy includes his role in ending slavery and preserving the United States. His speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address, are studied worldwide. Lincoln's presidency continues to influence American politics and history, with his ideas on democracy, equality, and leadership enduring.

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23. Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865), sixteenth president of the United States
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