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Abraham Lincoln Birth: February 12, 1809 Death: April 15, 1865 Political Party: Republican Term 1: 1861-1865 Term 2: 1865-Assinated Vice President Term 1: Hannibal Hamlin Vice President Term 2: Andrew Johnson Abraham Lincoln is one of the greatest presidents that have ever lived. He is ranked number one out of 31 presidents. Although Lincoln had to deal with a war he deserves an A-. Lincoln’s main goal in his presidency was preserving the Union. He achieved this goal by going to war with the South. Lincoln declared a war and fought a four year battle in an attempt to preserve the Union. By leading the Union to victory he reunited the North and the South. Later in the Civil War a goal of his became civil rights for African Americans. He initiated the civil rights movement to give African Americans rights in the United States. He accomplished this by the Emancipation Proclamation. After the war his goal was to restore the nation. He allowed the Confederate officers return to the country with dignity. Lincoln and Congress had a very good relationship during his presidency. Although Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus and declared martial law, Congress approved his actions. Although this may have been the case because Congress was made mostly of Republicans after the southerners removed themselves. Lincoln’s action that had the most positive outcome was the Civil War. Although the war cost many lives and was costly, the war served its purpose. The war was able to reunite the North and South, and preserve the Union. Lincoln was able to stop the country from becoming to separate countries. That was Lincoln’s main goal through his presidency. Lincoln’s action that had the most negative outcome was his abuse of power. He violated the Constitution by suspending the writ of habeas corpus and declared martial law. Lincoln also sent troops down to western Virginia and Missouri. Lincoln demonstrated how a president could abuse his power and violate the Constitution for a cause. Lincoln influenced America very much. Through the Emancipation Proclamation he freed all slaves. This was a major change to America; there were only a few free African Americans. Also this started the civil rights movement among African Americans and women’s suffrage. Both groups believed they deserved to have the same rights as white males. This ultimately changed the lives of Americans and is still shaping America today. America was better off at the end of Lincoln’s term than in the beginning. The nation was whole again and not separated. Also, slaves were freed and given some civil rights. The nation was awakened to equal rights for all. Although Lincoln has to abuse some of his presidential powers, he did it to preserve the Union. All in all, Lincoln did the best he could during his presidency and achieved his goals. He does deserve an A-. Works Cited “Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865).” __American President An Online Reference Resource.__ 2010. Miller Center Public Affairs. 25 March 2010. < [] >. Bailey, Thomas A., Lizabeth Cohen, David M. Kennedy. __The American Pageant.__ New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Degregorio, William A. __The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents.__ New Jersey: Barricade Books Inc.,2005. Kelly, Martin. “Abraham Lincoln- 16th President of the United States.” __About.com.__ 2010. The New York Times Company. 25 March 2010. < [] >.