From the humble beginnings of growing up poor and living in a log cabin in Kentucky to the office of President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln never lost focus of his mission in life. Lincoln’s morals and values drove him to success by hard work and a tireless focus on making the United States a better place for all citizens. Lincoln by far has earmarked his place in history as the greatest president ever to hold the office. Politicians today lack the sincerity and humble core that defined Lincoln, and instead use the power of the office as a self serving means to promote their own agenda. After reading Donald T Phillips’ book Lincoln on Leadership, I developed a clearer understanding of Lincoln’s leadership principals far beyond what I had learned in previous studies. The unrelenting drive of Lincoln to never stop learning and continued determination for success serves as a model for all future generations. Using the knowledge he learned from constantly reading books, Lincoln was able establish an innovative leadership style at a young age that continues to apply in modern day situations. Lincoln faced adversity like no other president ever has, yet he never lost focus or resolve. When Lincoln was elected, he inserted himself into a torn nation, …show more content…
My dad, who was considerably older than most fathers of kids my age, was a former Maine State Trooper and a prior chief of police. The ideals I was taught by my dad were very traditional and he consistently harped on the necessity of hard work and good moral character. At times my father was stern and strict which gave me the clear understanding that there were severe consequences for being dishonest. Lessons learned in my household shaped the moral character I possess today and I firmly believe that having strong ethics enables me to lead others
Out of the 43 presidents that have served for the United States, the most recognizable and exceptional president by far was Abraham Lincoln. Through childhood, Lincoln seemed always interested in politics, not knowing how much publicity and significance he would get. The three authors of the Grace Bedell and the President’s Beard, Lincoln’s Famous Address, and The Rise of a President all agree with the fact that Lincoln was a fanonimal president. During just four years of office, Lincoln made a memorable picture for himself, led a war between many different parts of the U. S., and made one of the greatest speeches the nation has ever seen.
According to Kearns Goodwin, Lincoln was considered a self taught man. Everywhere Lincoln went he had a book with him. Lincoln learned trades of boatman, clerk, merchant, postmaster, surveyor and country lawyer all by reading books and newspapers. Lincoln would read and re-read law books until her fully understood them. Lincoln wrote to a student seeking advice from him, “Life was a school to him and he was always studying and mastering every subject before him.” Lincoln also stated “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” This right here shows how Lincoln had a herculean feat of self-creation and how he had a thirst for Technical and Tactful Knowledge.
Williams portrays Lincoln in a very positive light, allowing the reader to realize the greatness of Lincoln, in his compassion, strategy, statesmanship and lack of ego. Williams has provided numerous instances wherein he provides ample support to his arguments and facts. In spite of the unnecessary detail and verbosity that Williams sometimes uses, there is no doubt that this book is a remarkable insight into Lincoln’s persona.
Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, showed weaknesses within his leadership which may have contributed to the confederacy’s loss and the unions win . Davis failed in three vital ways. These ways were: his relations with other confederate authorities and with the people, as well as in his fundamental concept of his job as president and in his organization and specific handling of his role as commander in chief . Davis failed in maintaining communication with leaders and with his people, often unable to admit when he is wrong which led to lack organization in his role . In addition, Davis was a conservative leader, not a revolutionary one which meant that his strength was often in protocol and convention rather than in innovation . Studying each of these aspects that represented a weakness in Jefferson Davis’s leadership, Lincoln in comparison provided more admirable and outstanding qualities within his leadership which in many ways affected the outcome of the war
The first chapter of this book is simply an introduction. It gives an overview of each chapter and helps the reader prepare for what to expect. Throughout the entire book, Thomas J. DiLorenzo explores the Lincoln presidency and his traits and accomplishments that are popular to the world. He reveals the truths behind these common myths that have been researched by many over the years. Chapter two expresses the uncertainties about how Lincoln truly felt about racial equality. Lincoln is often referred to as the “Great Emanc...
Abraham Lincoln is perhaps one of the most interesting characters to have ever graced the American political arena and presidency. He is most noteworthy, obviously, for his role in saving the United States from its own destruction and the eradication of the vile Southern tradition of slavery. However, upon deeper inspection, one finds there was much more to Lincoln than his political achievements. Throughout his years as a politician, there's a noticeable shift in terms of his character, and political persona. He seems to go from ambitious and boisterous to being more solemn and reserved. Also, it should be noted that some remark that Lincoln was, quite ironically, both America’s most democratic and autocratic President to have ever held office. However, it seems that though there is abundant evidence for his democratic values, there are little to suggest his autocratic intentions. As though some lines revealing such intent can be found, many are also directly rebutted by powerful democratic rhetoric. All of this can be found in Lincoln’s four main speeches; “A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand”, his Inaugural Addresses and the Gettysburg Address. Basically, in order to properly analyze Lincoln it may be best to look at Lincoln’s personal and political changes within the terms of his antebellum and Civil War “personalities”, as well as to examine his democratic and autocratic leanings; all through scrutinizing Lincoln’s major speeches.
Abraham Lincoln led America through its bloodiest war. His actions changed the nation forever, and his legacy lives on today. Lincoln was the sixteenth President of the United States. Throughout the Civil War, Lincoln’s political strategies aided the Union victory. Lincoln set the Reconstruction of America into motion, and abolished slavery. In what follows, I will be discussing the life of one of the nation’s greatest presidents. Before his famous political career, Lincoln was a self educated lawyer. In debates across his life, he opposed slavery. During his time in Congress and in the Senate, Lincoln passed many laws, some that locally abolished slavery before the Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln was faced with an extremely difficult crisis during his presidency. Through his brilliant leadership, his passionate speeches, and his great accomplishments, he was able to save the nation. Who knows what would have happened to the nation without the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865 was an extremely tragic day, but his legacy as one of the greatest presidents in the history of the U.S. will never be forgotten.
So to conclude. Even though Abraham grew up without much education, he still became a great politician and a great person. He dramatically changed the role of the president for the better, and he helped our country through two major historical events, the civil war and the war against slavery. Abraham Lincoln was one of the most pivotal presidents in the history of our country.
Abraham Lincoln was an important figure who rose from being an uneducated man, to becoming the 16th president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln is also known for his determination towards ending slavery. One of Abraham Lincoln’s political accomplishments was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. Before his presidency, Lincoln was not that knowledgeable about the military because he never really had a proper education when he was small. However, Lincoln’s entire presidency basically took place during the war.
Thomas J. DiLorenzo is an economics professor at Loyola College. He has written eleven books, and is very widely published in many magazines and journals. In his book, The Real Lincoln, a twist is placed on the traditional picture of Abraham Lincoln. One of the most famous men in American History, Lincoln was regarded as being many great things, but were these things an accurate depiction of who he really was? As DiLorenzo states, “In the eyes of many Americans, Lincoln remains the most important American political figure in history because the war between the states so fundamentally transformed the nature of American government” (2). Lincoln helped begin a transformation from a small national government to a larger, more centralized one. Perhaps one of the largest misconceptions about Lincoln was his stance on slavery. DiLorenzo goes in depth about this saying, “He (Lincoln) could have ended slavery just as dozens of other countries in the world did during the first sixty years of the nineteenth century, through compensated emancipation, but he never seriously attempted to do so” (9). These two major topics, along with many more, are examined from a different perspective in discovering the man Abraham Lincoln really was.
When it comes to United States Presidents, everyone has an opinion of each president’s effectiveness. It takes character and talent to hold up to the stress of the White House. One aspect of a leader that measures their effectiveness is their capability to handle a crisis; another is their ability to make decisions for the betterment of whomever they lead, while still taking in all opinions. One example of an extremely effective president that successfully used those qualities was Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln served in many facets of the United States government and was also a respected lawyer in Illinois. He was best known for being elected as the 16th President of the United States of America. As president, Lincoln guided the United States through one of the worst times in American history, the Civil War. From the start of his political career, Lincoln was instrumental in his efforts and eventual success in ending slavery in America. He was known for his public speaking abilities and delivered some of the most popular speeches in United States history. He lived a successful life before the presidency, during the presidency, and up to the time of his tragic death. His life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1865 while still serving as President of the United States. Lincoln was revered as one of the greatest presidents in American history. Prior to becoming one of the most powerful men in the world, Lincoln grew up in a poverty-stricken family.
Abraham Lincoln is regarded by many Americans as the greatest president to ever hold office in the history of the United States, and his reputation is definitely well deserved. Lincoln wasn't scared to stand up and fight for what he knew was right. He was convinced that within the branches of government, the presidency alone was empowered not only to uphold the Constitution, but also to protect, and defend it. Lincoln was able to lead our country and preserve the Union, keeping the United States from splintering during the devastating times of the Civil War. As President, he built the Republican Party into a strong national organization, and he rallied most of the northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation that changed the war into a battle for freedom and declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy. That November, Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, which stated how a country must be dedicated to human freedom in order to survive. He dedicated the battlefield to the soldiers who had perished, and called on the living to finish the task the dead soldiers had begun. (Donald, 1995) Lincoln believed that democracy could be a lasting form of government. He showed a nobility of character that had worldwide appeal, and he was a man of great integrity. However, Lincoln was not only the 16th president of the United States, he was an American hero. Lincoln was a well-rounded individual and he had numerous outstanding qualities. However, it is important to remember that Lincoln also led a private life, complete with close friends and family.
Both of my grandparents raised my own parents when being young kids into having discipline, responsibilities and obligations. Back in the day, the years were different and it required a lot more education/principles. Education has been one of the most maybe top five of me, my character. Since what I remember by parents always taught me the right path, not wrong, they always tried to fix my mistakes so I wouldn 't repeat them or make myself look bad in front of other people. They wanted me to be an educated person with principles, but I never understood why