Abraham Lincoln's Accomplishments

When reflecting upon the past, it is easy to romanticize events for nostalgia’s sake. When people reminisce about a military general, they discuss the great general, renowned for outwitting his foes. When discussing an enemy’s former leader, people tell of the formidable ruler, wise and powerful, unable to best their strength and resilience. As a result, it is difficult to study history as it happened rather than how it has been obscured and exaggerated over time. Although there are undoubtedly heroes whose names and accomplishments should be remembered, These same icons may not have been perceived as such during their time. One such example is the great and benevolent Abraham Lincoln, remembered for his great feats and benevolent leadership.

Discuss sources that you’ll use to make the point and round out the thesis. Like any politician, Lincoln had views on issues and therefore, had adversaries. Lincoln began his political career in the Illinois state legislature in 1834 as a member of the whig party. He aligned himself with the Whig party because of his beliefs in government backed infrastructure and protective tariffs. Throughout his time in the Illinois legislature, he began forming his opinions on the institution of slavery. He saw the institution as a hinderance to the development of the american economy, rather than a moral injustice. After serving the state of Illinois for four years, Lincoln took a hiatus from politics and began to practice law. It wasn’t until 1847 that

It was a fierce campaign that contained seven great debates held throughout the state of Illinois. Though Lincoln lost the race, these debates and their transcripts were passed and republished throughout the country familiarizing his name to the american people. Along with this, but the slavery centered debates seemed to foreshadow the issue’s significance in Lincoln’s approaching presidency. His performance in the Lincoln-Douglas debates bought Lincoln popularity among the Republican Party Leaders and decided to make an attempt at the presidency in the 1860 election. Lincoln’s humble but determined following went into the republican convention of 1860 almost certain that Lincoln would lose the nomination to the frontrunner, William H. Seward. Seward was a former New York governor and veteran senator. He was actually like Lincoln in many ways, a former Whig who strongly opposed the spread of slavery. Going into the convention, Seward was almost certain that he would win the party nomination, however, Lincoln’s determined and growing support base was able to sway the decision in his favor. The party ultimately decided that Lincoln was able to represent their position in a strong and compelling way but wasn’t perceived as such a radical as Seward was. The democrats also assembled