Corinne+E.+-+AL+-+FA09

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) Vice President (1st term): Hannibal Hamlin Political Party: Republican/Union Vice President (2nd term): Andrew Johnson Served in Office: 1861-1865

Abraham Lincoln was a president of action from the start. Sworn into office, March 14th, 1861 he was faced with problems of the north and south separating. Being a great military leader and fighting for the sake that the nation would not crumble, he succeeded. Unlike the previous president, Lincoln took head on the issues of slavery and the problems from the Civil war. For this, he deserves an A for his presidency.

Not long after his entrance into the oval office, the civil war began. The prime goal of Lincoln was to keep the nation together, and have the Union Army win. By doing so, he proclaimed a blockade, increased the size of the Federal Army and also directed the secretary of the treasury to advance two million dollars. He did all of this in hopes to get the southern states back, not to rid of them. He also wanted to face the issue with slavery, which he later addressed by the Emancipation Proclamation. During the civil war he wanted to find military leaders who were not afraid to take action in striking the South. Before finding Ulysses S. Grant, he dismissed three previous generals. Another goal of Lincoln was to keep the economy stable by passing the Homestead Act, Morril Act, and had high tariff to boost American Industry companies.

The relationship between Congress and Lincoln was a very unsteady one. Although, Mr. Lincoln was later recognized as a hero, during the time, he was hated by many. Although the president’s intentions to have the Union to win, many of his actions questioned the liberties of citizens. For example, the habeas corpus act. This act states that a U.S citizen could be held in custody with out knowing the charges accused of that individual. Many acts that Lincoln proposed were passed. But not necessarily approved on.

The most positive outcome of Lincoln’s presidency was the win of the Union Army. The win insured that the nation would be together as one and would not be vulnerable to other countries. Another positive outcome of his presidency was the Emancipation Proclamation Act. This act freed thousands and thousands of slaves. It was also the first push towards equal rights and treatment towards African Americans. This act was also a double edged sword. Although good for the African Americans, it was bad for the South’s economy.

Lincoln’s presidency set moral standards for generations to come. His leadership skills were legendary and he took a broken country and put it back together. Lincoln even had plans to accept the southern countries back into the U.S. He believed that they never left. He wasn’t afraid to face the problems that needed to be addressed and take action that needed to be done. This country was much better off with him and set examples for future presidents to come.

Works Cited [] [] []