Logan Webb July 18th, 2011 AP US History Many consider Abraham Lincoln to be the greatest president the nation

has ever elected, and rightfully so. Lincoln, known for his honesty and integrity, had an integral role in the abolition of slavery. Once the Emancipation Proclamation was placed in effect, hundreds, if not thousands of slaves across the nation were suddenly free. Lincoln is also remembered for his moving and thought-provoking speech, the Gettysburg Address, which is still taught and recited in schools throughout the world. In 1865, he was assassinated by a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Lincoln dramatically changed the course of American history in his four short years of presidency. Slavery, although barbaric, was incredibly common in the early years of the nation. It was not a shock for a slave/plantation owner to treat his slaves like absolute trash. Many African and AfricanAmerican slaves were brutally beaten, and still expected to work from sunrise to sunset. Living conditions were horrible for these unfortunate people. That is not to say, however, that ALL slaves were treated horribly. Some slave-owners were actually quite hospitable, and offered decent living quarters. On the first day of January, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation. This meant that each individual slave in all Confederate states was free. Lincoln had opened the door to countless African-Americans, now able to essentially live, and perhaps even secure a job. This may have been one of the first steps towards equality. Where would the nation be today if the Emancipation Proclamation was never breathed into existence? Personally, I believe the United States would have crumbled long ago had Lincoln not taken this crucial step. Later that same year, Lincoln gave perhaps his most memorable speech at Gettysburg. This speech, which would come to be known as The Gettysburg Address, was an act of unity. The Civil War was a dark time in American history. Gettysburg was right in the midst of this terrible war. It is understandable that Americans would feel uneasy or a sense of separation during this time. Lincolns speech brought Americans together, or at least gave them a feeling of togetherness during one of the

Logan Webb July 18th, 2011 AP US History darkest times in our nations history. In addition, I believe the Gettysburg Address let the American people know that the fight actually had meaning. Although grisly, the war would end, and America would come out on top, as one united nation. Everyone in America would overcome together. I believe Lincoln knew exactly what he was doing when this speech was given. A sense of unity is a very imperative role in the fighting, and winning, of a war. A short time later, in April of 1865, Lincoln attended a play at Ford Theatre. Though unknown to him, assassination plans were in effect for President Abraham Lincoln. During the production, a gunshot echoed throughout the theatre: the gunshot that would ultimately bring Lincoln to his untimely death. The bullet was from a pistol held by John Wilkes Booth, an actor. Although Lincoln did not die immediately, he only survived until the next morning. The death of Abraham Lincoln would have been one of the most shocking events of the time. He was the first president to be murdered. This would have taught the lesson that no matter what your title is, you are ultimately powerless. Many people were emotionally tied to Lincoln: whites, blacks, soldiers, commoners. Everyone would have felt the impact of Lincolns death. The man that had so much impact in the freedom of the slaves; the man who brought the nation closer together, was now gone. Many events have shaped and molded American history, though I believe some of the greatest were those connected to President Abraham Lincoln. The freedom obtained by slaves thanks to a proclamation made by Lincoln made an unbelievable impact on the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people. The Gettysburg Address, given by Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War, brought an almost fallen nation back together to fight as one. The death of this man affected many. The entire nation suffered a great loss. It is almost unimaginable to think where the nation would be had the Emancipation Proclamation never been passed, or the Gettysburg Address given. I fully believe that we, as a nation, would be far worse off today if it wasnt for the nations sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln.