How Did Abraham Lincoln's Assassination Impact Society

Without a doubt, Abraham Lincoln is one of the most celebrated people in American history. Between time span of the years 1800-1900, Abraham Lincoln is a man that stands out from the rest because of his accomplishments during life and presidency. Lincoln most definitely helped shape the United States into what it is today, with lasting benefits of equality for all, regardless of skin color. During presidency, Lincoln carried on doing what he wanted to get done despite the lack of support from many and endless death threats. When there was conflict among advisors and himself, his leadership style often involved telling a story that displayed his point. Most of the time this method worked, and many people admired and respected him for it. He

could virtually demilitarize his enemies with his highly virtuous, skillful leadership. Lincoln possessed characteristics of kindness and compassion along with wisdom. One of his nicknames was "Father Abraham." Like George Washington, Lincoln showed an extraordinary strength of character, but Lincoln's unusual style of leadership involved telling stories which justified his actions and motivated others to follow his lead. The impact that Abraham Lincoln made on American society was so big, it brought him many haters and resulted in him being the first president to be assassinated. Without Abraham Lincoln in American history, the future of this nation would have turned in a very different direction, most likely not towards ending slavery and granting race equality. The three main categories that are going to be discussed are Lincoln's life period, his contribution to the abolition of slavery, and his wife.

As a child, Abraham Lincoln did not have it easy because of the way he was raised. When he was at the age of nine, his mother died of milk sickness and he eventually drifted away from his father, Thomas. His father did remarry another woman, Sarah Bush Johnston that encouraged Lincoln to be well educated to take him far in life. As she encouraged him, that sparked a well connected relationship between them and he felt that he was closer to her than his father. When he came to the age of twenty-two he moved out of the household and went out to live on his own, bringing with him many dreams and goals. Being out on his own meant that he had to work extremely hard to survive. He had made a living by splitting wood for fire and fencing rails. Lincoln then moved to New Salem, Illinois where he worked with the public to share stories that made him popular with the people of that town. His talent of storytelling improved his public speaking skills. After the Black Hawk War, Lincoln decided to begin his political career and was elected to the state legislature of Illinois as a member of the Whig party. Because of this political background it led him to understand the different views of slavery. Many Republicans wanted Lincoln as a candidate for president because of his amazing beliefs. The only competition for Abraham Lincoln during that election was Douglas, who supported the Democrats. He won most of the North and carried the Electoral college. Lincoln lead many victories to multiple battles while making smart and precise choices along the way. A little after the Battle of Antietam, Abraham Lincoln called for the Emancipation Proclamation that freed all the slaves in reckless states but left the loyal states in bondage. He once said that “paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or destroy slavery,”

Another factor of Abraham Lincoln’s life period was his

President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination shocked everyone.

The same day his death was pronounced, flags across America were raised in respect. Everyone seemed to shut down in disbelief, even after the victory of the Civil War happened days before. When Lincoln’s body was being delivered by train to Springfield, tens of thousands of Americans lined up by the railroad to pay their respects to a man who had so much impact to the development of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was a leader who made an impact and was known for his devotion and honesty. His influence towards this country was shown through the endless number citizens who paid their respect to him. Abraham Lincoln was honored by his accomplishments as president, but most people are unaware of his life experiences that lead him to success. He experienced a lot during his lifetime, which fueled him to do the things he did to accomplish his achievements and relationships. President Abraham Lincoln is without a doubt one of the most vital historic figures to walk on American soil. He will continue to be known for generations to come, not only for being on the five dollar bill, the penny, or Mount Rushmore, but what he stood for and pursued. Without his determination and perseverance, slavery would not have ended like it did and America would not be running with emphasis on equality like it is

today.