Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th U.S. President, serving from 1861 to 1865.
Born into poverty in Kentucky, he became a lawyer and politician.
Lincoln led the country during the Civil War, abolished slavery, and modernized the economy.
He joined the Republican Party and gained national attention through debates with Stephen Douglas.
As president, Lincoln navigated complex political factions, supervised war strategy, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
He was re-elected in 1864 but assassinated in 1865.
Lincoln is remembered as a national hero and is often ranked as the greatest American president for his efforts to preserve the Union and end slavery.
