Abraham Lincoln: From an Innocent Child to the Chief of a Bloody War

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The sixteenth president of the United States was none other than “Honest Abe” himself, or better known as Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln may have looked thin and weak physically, but he was actually pretty strong. He was also a fierce, sharp-witted lawyer and politician. He was never afraid of the challenges thrown at him. He held firmly to the things he believed to be right, even when the “majority” did not agree with him. Abraham Lincoln faced opposition as president because of his divergent moral views, ideas, decisions, and beliefs. Abraham Lincoln came from humble beginnings. He was born in Kentucky, in a log cabin on February 12, 1809 (Bio.com 1). His father’s name was Thomas and his mother’s name was Nancy. They lived on a small plot of land in a shelter, until Thomas was able to buy the family a new home somewhere else. When Lincoln was only at the tender age of nine, he lost his mother to a milk disease (Bio.com 1). This traumatic event caused Abraham to become withdrawn from his father and distant from the world. Lincoln’s mother meant so much to him that he lived for her through his choices and accomplishments. He testified, “All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother” (BrainyQuote). After his father remarried, he became closely bonded to his step-mother Sarah. As their bond grew, she encouraged Abraham to read. Rollerson 2 Lincoln was a great man of honesty and integrity. The nickname “Honest Abe” did not just fall from the clear blue sky. Anywhere he went, Lincoln was trusted because of his history compassion and humility. He was often seen walking many miles to borrow or return a book (Bio.com 1). Lincoln did all he could to keep his name in a good light and living up to be the man his mother would b... ... middle of paper ... ...and beliefs Abraham Lincoln held dear, was the driving force for change in this country; Lincoln’s morals was the good that conquered evil, and the light that overcame the dark. Works Cited "Abraham Lincoln - 16th President of the United States." About.com American History. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013. "Abraham Lincoln." American Eras. Vol. 6. Detroit: Gale, 1999. Student Resources in Context. Web. 2 Dec. 2013. "Abraham Lincoln Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013. "Abraham Lincoln." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013. "Abraham Lincoln Quotes." BrainyQuote. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. "The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln." The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013. "Lincoln's Critics: The Copperheads." Lincoln's Critics: The Copperheads. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

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