In the 1800's, slavery was abroad and the African Americans were perceived as property. To abolish slavery, Abraham Lincoln first issued the emancipation proclamation. After it was issued in 1863, it brought freedom to approximately 200,000 slaves (McKenna 139). This example explains how Lincoln was determined to end slavery and proved progress. Secondly, he suspended habeas corpus. Michael and Luke …show more content…
Paulson state that congress only had the power to suspend hebeas corpus. Lincoln defied the laws and argued that the constitution was ambiguous on the point and that circumstances necessitated his action (4). This explains the strides Lincoln was taking to end slavery. He went above his power to help further the process. Lastly, The 13th amendment was added to the constitution, ending slavery for good. According to Amy McKenna, During this time Lincoln had become the republicans platform of the 1864 election (139). This shows how Lincoln was devoted to become president and preserve what he had worked hard to accomplish. Not only did Lincoln abolish slavery, he also won the eyes of many of the viewers during the Lincoln-Douglas debates.
Proposing the debates, he not only opened the eyes of others, but earned himself respect. One thing to know about Lincoln is that he wasn’t a well-known politician. In an article written by Kauffman, she says "Unlike Lincoln, Douglas was a career politician (2). The meaning of this quote is that Lincoln was per say the underdog during the debates. It also confirms how intelligent Lincoln was even though he was a self-thought politician. Furthermore, Lincoln gained national exposure and opened the eyes of the people. "People often came from neighboring towns to hear Lincoln and Douglas speak and in some instances the number of people attending the debates was larger than a towns total population"(Kauffman 3). This excerpt implies that thousands of people gathered around to hear the debates. This gained Lincoln tremendous national exposure. He also inspired people by his powerful statements in his speeches. Lastly, Lincoln earned much deserved respect. Kauffman writes "Some historians contend that the 1858 debates were in a large part responsible for propelling Lincoln to presidency"(5). This quote essentially implies that because Lincoln was well respected for the debates, the people trusted him enough to elect him as a candidate for president. Last but not least, Abraham Lincoln great leader.
In addition to being president, Lincoln was a terrific leader.
First of all, Lincoln was determined to end slavery. He said "The fight must go on. The cause of civil liberty must not be surrendered at the end of one, or even, one hundred defeats"(Kauffman 5). This shows how Lincoln was going to stop at nothing to end slavery and give everyone the right of civil liberty. Secondly, He lead the north to a victory in the American civil war. Holzer says "He was the best man at the most crustal time in American history"(2). This quote implies that when America was in a crisis, He was the best man to lead. He insisted that the union had to be preserved so he turned political enemies into friends by using his trusting wisdom and humor. Finally, Lincoln became the 16th president of the united states. Kauffman wrote that Lincoln won 40% of the popular vote and 180 electoral votes. This illustrates how many people respected and trusted him. He ran against three other candidates including Douglas. Douglas came in second behind Lincoln with 30% of the popular vote and even less electoral votes. By earning the trust and respect from others, Lincoln endured the mission he was after and became Americas leader as
president.
Abolishing slavery, fighting in the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and prospering into a great leader are all just part of the good Lincoln accomplished. The emancipation proclamation, suspension of hebeas corpus, and the 13th amendment all helped Lincoln abolish slavery. Also, The Lincoln-Douglas debates are what made a name for him. He inspired others and gained respect in doing so. Furthermore, ending slavery, leading in the civil war, and becoming president are all great examples of how Lincoln is an influential role model still to this day. Abraham Lincolns heroic legacy will never be forgotten.