Over the years, the United States has had many different presidents run the country. But only they can choose how they want to remembered by. Some of the best presidents that we've had were characterized as courageous, brave, and intelligent. Many need the courage to proclaim new ideas never thought or done before to better our country, brave when it comes to handling dangerous situations, and intelligent when consider every possible move they're making to help benefit our country in a whole. Many past presidents are characterized as the same but some go beyond and make a difference in the country that we will all know and remember like what Abraham Lincoln did. Abraham Lincoln did many things but the most beneficial accomplishments he did as his years as president …show more content…
In the year 1862, Lincoln signs the Homestead Act that opens government-owned land to small family farmers. The act gave anyone who was the head of the family 160 acres to try his hand at farming for five years. To be eligible you must be 21 years old, and must build a house on the property. It was significant because it opened up settlement in the western United States. Secondly, not only did he sign the first Homestead Act, he also is behind the progressive nature of income tax. In 1861, Lincoln imposed the first federal income tax by signing the Revenue Act. Strapped for cash with which to pursue the civil war, Lincoln and Congress agreed to impose a three percent tax on annual tax over $800. With this accomplishment from Lincoln, he started and revolutionized the modern economy. Lastly, but not the only other accomplishment, Abraham abolished slavery. Lincoln issued his first Emancipation Proclamation, which was to free all slaves in states still in the rebellion. That was the first step in getting rid of slavery and diversity in our history, and now everyone is free to do as they