The Untold Story of Abraham Lincoln: A Fascinating Journey

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is a name that resonates throughout history. His remarkable life and contributions have made him an influential figure not only in American politics but also in the fight against slavery. In this extensive article, we delve into the life, struggles, and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, exploring the aspects often overlooked in the historical narrative. Join us on this fascinating journey through the life of the man who became synonymous with freedom and equality.

A Humble Beginning

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a one-room log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. Coming from modest means, Lincoln's childhood was marked by hardship and loss. Growing up in rural America, he had limited access to education and resources, but he possessed an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that would shape his future.

Abraham Lincoln, 2nd Edition: Redeemer President (Library of Religious Biography (LRB))

by Allen C. Guelzo (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	94180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	501 pages

FREE

As a young boy, Lincoln's path to greatness was not conventional. He had to work tirelessly on his family's farm, but he managed to educate himself by borrowing books from his neighbors. It was during this self-guided education that Lincoln discovered his love for law and politics.

Rising Above Challenges

With a burning desire to excel, Abraham Lincoln moved to Illinois in 1830 where he began his professional career. Battling self-doubt and lack of formal education, he worked as a storekeeper, postmaster, and surveyor while studying law on his own. His ambition and persistence propelled him forward, eventually leading him to become a respected lawyer.

As Lincoln gained prominence in the legal field, he began to dive deeper into politics. In 1846, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served a single term. Though his tenure in Congress was short-lived, Lincoln used his time to advocate for causes close to his heart, primarily the abolition of slavery.

A House Divided

Throughout the 1850s, the issue of slavery divided the United States. The battle between the abolitionist North and the pro-slavery South intensified, eventually leading to the American Civil War in 1861. The election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States was a turning point in this historic conflict.

Lincoln's unwavering commitment to emancipation and equality became the cornerstone of his presidency. He led the nation through its most turbulent times, navigating the complexities of war and the challenges of unifying a divided nation. His leadership during the Civil War would forever alter the course of American history.

The Emancipator

On January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a landmark document that declared all enslaved individuals in Confederate territory to be free. While its immediate impact was limited, the Emancipation Proclamation set the stage for the eventual abolition of slavery and brought hope to millions.

Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War, coupled with his unwavering commitment to preserving the Union and abolishing slavery, solidified his place in history as the Great Emancipator. His eloquence and ability to inspire people remain unmatched, with iconic speeches like the Gettysburg Address exemplifying his dedication to justice and equality.

A Tragic End

Abraham Lincoln's journey came to a heartbreaking end on April 15, 1865. Just days after the Confederate surrender, he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. The nation mourned the loss of a leader who had not only fought to preserve the Union but also had become the symbol of hope and progress.

Despite his untimely death, Abraham Lincoln's legacy lives on. His profound impact on American society, particularly in the fight against slavery, can still be felt today. Lincoln's dedication to justice and equality continues to inspire generations, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, true leadership and unwavering determination have the power to change the world.

The Legacy Lives On

Abraham Lincoln's story is not just a tale of personal triumph, but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From his humble beginnings to his pivotal role in shaping America's history, Lincoln's journey is one that deserves admiration and respect.

So, let us not forget the sacrifices and untold stories of the people who have fought for freedom and equality. Abraham Lincoln's legacy, etched in the annals of history, serves as a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit and our capacity to overcome adversity.

Abraham Lincoln, 2nd Edition: Redeemer President (Library of Religious Biography (LRB))

by Allen C. Guelzo (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	94180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	501 pages

FREE

The story of Abraham Lincoln’s faith and intellectual life—updated and revised with a new preface—from the three-time winner of the Lincoln Prize and best-selling Civil War–era historian Allen Guelzo. 

Allen Guelzo’s peerless account of America’s most celebrated president explores the role of ideas in Lincoln’s life, treating him as a serious thinker deeply involved in the nineteenth-century debates over politics, religion, and culture. Through masterful and original scholarly work, Guelzo relates the outward events of Lincoln’s life to his inner spiritual struggles and sets them both against the intellectual backdrop of his age. The sixteenth president emerges as a creative yet profoundly paradoxical man—possessed of deep moral and religious character yet without adherence to organized religion.

Since its original publication in 1999, Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President has garnered numerous accolades, not least the prestigious Lincoln Prize. After writing several other acclaimed studies of Lincoln and other aspects of Civil War–era history, Guelzo returns to update this important early work for a second edition. A new preface addresses the developments in Lincoln scholarship in the years since the book’s original publication and offers Guelzo’s fascinating retrospective look at the unusual path he took to becoming a Lincoln scholar.