Josh Shimunoff AP US ESSAY Abraham Lincoln- Best President of the 19th Century Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his

significant role as the leader in saving the Union during the Civil War and started the course that led to the end of slavery in the United States. He is also remembered for his personality and leadership, his speeches and letters, and as a man whose determination and firmness led him to the presidency. President Lincoln endured unexpected pressures throughout the Civil War. He carried on even with generals who weren't ready to fight, murder threats, power struggle among his Cabinet members, many casualties on the battlefields, and resistance from groups such as the Copperheads. However, Lincoln stayed courageous and persevered. He didnt surrender to the pressures and finish the war prematurely. He kept fighting until the South was defeated. The Emancipation Proclamation did not instantly free the slaves since it only applied to land that wasnt under control by Lincoln. Authorized freedom for all slaves in the United States didnt arrive until the conclusion of the Thirteenth Amendment in December 1865. Lincoln strongly supported the amendment, but he was assassinated before its final enactment. President Lincoln's national policies included favor for the Homestead Act. This had permitted the poor living in the East to get hold of land in the West. He signed the Morrill Act which was built to help in the organization of agricultural and mechanical colleges in each state. Also, Lincoln signed a legislation called

the National Banking Act which created a national currency and provided for the establishment of a network of national banks. Lincoln had also signed a tariff legislation that offered security to American businesses and signed a bill that chartered the first transcontinental railroad. Lincoln's foreign policy was geared toward preventing international intervention in the Civil War. The speech Lincoln was known for was the Gettysburg Address. In the speech Lincoln explained that the country was fighting the Civil War to see if we would carry on as a nation. He declared it was proper to contribute a section of the Gettysburg battlefield as a tribute for the men who had fought and died there. Lincoln said that the people who were still alive must set aside for themselves the goal to finish the task that the dead soldiers had begun which was to save the land so it would not die from the earth. One central way Lincoln effected modern society is that we look back on his presidency as a role model for future generations. Lincoln's high nature affects us because we compare present politicians to the model Lincoln set. Another effect is in the area of quotations. Politicians love to cite Abraham Lincoln because Lincoln is seen as America's wisest president. A major effect Lincoln has on the United States today is purely through the fine example he set when it came to leadership and honesty. Many American politicians in our time try to imitate his philosophy by using his quotes in their speeches. Lincoln had a caring leadership method as opposed to cruel (authoritarian), participatory (democratic), or laissezfaire. When there was dispute among advisors and himself, his leadership technique often concerned telling a story that verified his point. Many times this

system worked, and people accepted and respected him for it. He could practically win over his opposers with his highly skilled leadership. Lincoln had traits of kindness and sympathy combined with knowledge. In fact, one of his nicknames was "Father Abraham." Similar to George Washington, Lincoln showed an unusual strength of character, but Lincoln's unique style of leadership consisted of telling stories which explained his actions and influenced others to follow his lead. President Lincolns most important action during his time in office was his decision to fight to save the Union. In the end, fighting the Civil War resulted in the United States staying one nation instead of dividing into two different countries. Even though Lincoln was criticized for stepping over the traditional bounds of executive power, he was up against the greatest threat to federal authority in the countrys history. He felt his job was to protect the Union from crumbling. Also, Lincoln's role in the area of liberty for the slaves is tremendously important. He started it allwith the Emancipation Proclamation. We honor Abraham Lincoln for his actions in preserving the Union and beginning the process of freedom for slaves. Links: http://rogerjnorton.com/Lincoln87.html http://americanhistory.about.com/od/abrahamlincoln/p/plincoln.htm