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Abraham Lincoln: February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865 Political Party: Republican Terms of Office: March 4, 1861 to April 15, 1865 Vice Presidents: Hannibal Hamlin (1861-1865); Andrew Johnson (1865) [] (picture)

Abraham Lincoln indisputably had an impact on America during his terms as President. Because the majority of outcomes that resulted from his presidency were positive, Lincoln deserves an “A-” for his presidency. Lincoln was thrown into the presidential seat at the upstart of the Civil War and had to muster up a way to hold the Union together. Lincoln is known for his Emancipation Proclamation and his effort during the Civil war to keep the Union as one, but was also responsible for a few unconstitutional acts.
 * Thesis **

Abraham Lincoln’s upfront and foremost goal was to preserve the Union. Ultimately, this goal was achieved when the Union won the Civil War and the South was accepted back into the Union. After the southern states had seceded and four years of fighting had drawn to a close, Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate army surrendered and the war was over. Reconstruction soon followed and the Union was maintained. Lincoln also sought to comfort the South by informing the nation that he had felt he did not have the constitutional power to meddle with slavery. This statement was not achieved; however, because Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation (which freed the slaves in the southern states that were still in rebellion at the time). During Lincoln’s second term as President, he looked at the issue of Reconstruction but was unable to rebuild the Union due to his assassination.
 * Goals **

In the beginning, Abraham Lincoln’s relationship with Congress was generally good. Republicans made up the majority party in both Houses which helped Lincoln get elected. Congress, for the most part, accepted several dubious actions of Lincoln. Lincoln and his administration were able to pass many bills such as the Homestead Act. This Act gave individuals up to 160 acres of government land, which they resided on for 5 years, improved it, and paid a $30 fee. Other legislation included the Morrill Tariff Act which increased the existing taxes 5-10%. This Act was established to raise extra funds and give additional protection to manufacturers. The National Banking Act also surfaced and showed to be the first major step towards a unified banking network since 1836. The Pacific Railroad Act was also passed by Lincoln’s administration. It approved the building of the first transcontinental railroad which would connect the east to the west. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was perhaps the most significant declaration of his presidency. This proclamation freed all slaves who resided in southern states that were still in rebellion. Lincoln additionally vetoed 2 bills and pocket vetoed 5 bills. One of Lincoln’s pocket vetoes included the Wade-Davis Bill, which was proposed by Congress in response to Lincoln’s 10% plan for Reconstruction. The Wade-Davis Bill demanded that 50% of seceding state voters had to take an oath of allegiance in order to be readmitted into the Union. The different views on Reconstruction soon caused controversy for the Republican Party and Congress. The majority of Republicans, moderates, agreed with Lincoln (for the most part) that the seceding states should be readmitted to the Union as soon and as smoothly as possible. One the other hand, the radical Republicans thought that the South should be punished for seceding. Great lines now divided the Republican Party hurting Lincoln’s relationship with Congress.
 * Relationship with Congress **

There were many positive outcomes that resulted from Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. One of the most significant results was Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which in the end put a stop to slavery. This proclamation only freed slaves in territories that were still in rebellion, but it was a significant step to the abolition of slavery. Even though results were not immediate, slavery was done for. Another positive outcome that occurred during Lincoln’s presidency was the winning of the Union Army in the Civil War. The Union was able to be restored and south was readmitted to the Union. Lincoln also appointed the high-quality General Ulysses S. Grant who proved to be a wise choice to command the Union Army.
 * Most Positive Outcome **

Lincoln’s main presidential fault was his unauthorized decisions. His first bold move was the blockade of the southern sea ports. In addition, Lincoln enlarged the size of the federal army, which was a power only Congress had (under the Constitution). Lincoln also gave instructions to the secretary of the Treasury to loan $2 million to three specific individuals, which went against the Constitution. He also postponed the privileges of the Habeas Corpus, which allowed anti-Unionist to be arrested. These unconstitutional acts proved to be an error of Lincoln during his presidency. Another poor aspect for the times included the devastation of the Civil War. Although the Civil War was inevitable, it still produced the most negative outcome during Lincoln’s presidency. Lincoln did what was necessary for the time to secure the Union by engaging the South in the Civil War; however, the aftermath of the battle was devastating. Over 600,000 men died, both from disease and combat, and ultimately over a million individuals were killed or wounded. The nation missed out on men killed in the war and possible leaders. Also, because fathers were out in battle, babies were not yielded. The financial state of the United States was also harmed by the war. The direct expense of the war amounted to $15 billion not including continuing costs, involving pensions and interest on the national debt. “The intangible costs-dislocation, disunities, wasted energies, lowered ethics, blasted lives, bitter memories, and burning hates-cannot be calculated,” ( Bailey 475). Additionally, cities were destroyed, such as Atlanta after William Tecumseh Sherman burned the city to the ground. As can be seen, the Civil War had a negative impact on the nation.
 * Most Negative Result **

Abraham Lincoln had a significant impact on the lives of people in future generations. The emancipation of slaves perhaps had the largest effect by later giving equal rights to African Americans. Going along with the Emancipation Proclamation, Congress passed the 13th Amendment which prohibited slavery in 1865 and was ratified the same year. Additionally, Congress passed the 14th Amendment in 1866 which gave civil rights to ex-slaves and was later ratified in 1868. Ultimately, the steps taken by Lincoln ended slavery for good. This impacted the lives of future generations especially for black individuals. New freedom was achieved for blacks and rights were gained.
 * Future Impact **

In conclusion, the nation was better off at the end of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. Lincoln was able to preserve the Union and would have welcomed the seceding states back into the Union with open arms if it wouldn’t have been for his assassination. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation helped the growing nation. Additionally, Lincoln was able to preserve the Union. Although some of Lincoln’s acts were questionable, he proved to be a significant President. Therefore, because of the successes of his presidency, Abraham Lincoln deserves an “A-” for his presidency.
 * Conclusion **

"Abraham Lincoln |." //The White House//. Web. 26 Mar. 2010. . "A.P.E. - Major Events with Abraham Lincoln." //Oracle ThinkQuest Library//. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Bailey, Thomas A. //The American Pageant//. 12th ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print. "Civil War Overview." Web. 26 Mar. 2010. . "The Homestead Act - Creating Prosperity in America." //Legends of America - A Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded//. Web. 26 Mar. 2010. . "Pacific Railroad Act." //Law Library - American Law and Legal Information//. Web. 26 Mar. 2010. . "What Was Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation?" Web. 26 Mar. 2010. .
 * Bibliography **