Abstract
The research topic is relevant due to the ongoing discussions about the historical role of Abraham Lincoln in the national history of the United States of America. Since now there have been absolutely opposite assessments of the presidency of Lincoln: from the openly apologetic to almost offensive. In the first case, the 16th President of the United States appears before us as the Savior of American democracy, the liberator of slaves and statesman, to prevent the collapse of the United States. In the second case it is absolutely "gray" politician who is guilty of inciting four-year Civil war that claimed the lives of about 600 thousand Americans. In this regard, an objective assessment of the figure of Lincoln becomes an important scientific problem. Nevertheless, Lincoln is the perfect example of the embodiment of the "American dream": having tried the profession of a surveyor, a storekeeper, a lumberjack, a postal employee, he has achieved the highest post in American government – the presidency.
Background of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln occupies a special place among the prominent political figures of the world. Lincoln was born at the intersection of two ages: the colonial and the industrial. The old ways were dying out and were being replaced by newfangled inventions and mysterious automated processes.(Wheeler, 2008) I believe that this was the perfect time for such a phenomenal person to live.
In the history Lincoln will forever remain as the man who prevented the collapse of the United States and freed the slaves. He is considered as a follower of the "founding fathers" of the USA, the creators of American democracy. Slavery occupied a large place in the view of Lincoln. His uncle’s father and uncle owned slaves. Lincoln’s father rejected slavery because of moral and material reasons as being a worker, he was not able to compete with slave labor.
Everything that Abraham Lincoln achieved was the result of his own efforts.In 18 years creative Abraham built a barge of his own design to transport through Ohio and vegetables for sale. Starting from the 21 year of independent life, he tried many professions. He worked as a surveyor, a storekeeper, a lumberjack, a postal employee and even fought with the Indians. Within a few years Lincoln had studied law, hoping to obtain a lawyer's license. His interests also included history and philology, he studied mechanics and mathematics. Living among the common people, Lincoln was able to gain credibility by success in sports, especially in wrestling.(Kiester, 2009) All the free time Abraham Lincoln devoted to self-education and studying with a teacher from a local school. At night, the future President read books by the light of a torch.
Contributions and Influence
Political Influence
The reign of Lincoln is a shining example of democratic leadership. He was certainly inherent, if we use the definition of John Adams, "the desire to stand out". Lincoln did not separate his fate from the fate of the nation. After the inauguration Abraham Lincoln took advantage of the protectionist system of distribution of posts. Till the spring of 1861 80% positions that were previously controlled by Democrats were taken by the Republicans. Lincoln was the first one who included his opponents in the Government.
Still, I believe that the biggest achievement of Abraham Lincoln was the ending of the war. The Civil war was a momentous turning point in the history of the United States, and Abraham Lincoln, who in those years was doing business in the White house, still remains the Central historical figure in the consciousness of the American people. During the crisis of the Union, all the thoughts and actions of Lincoln were designed to save and again to fully showcase the heritage of the founding fathers - values and principles of the Republic set forth in the Declaration of independence and the Constitution. The major characteristics of the American public sovereignty focused in his personality that become a myth. Civil war again targeting Americans in the unity of the nation and society that would be free from slavery.. Lincoln believed that preserving the United States, he retained "the last hope on earth" even for its own era.
The Great Emancipator
Abraham Lincoln is often referred to as the “Th Great Emancipator” due to his contribution to the freedom of slaves, the Arican Americans (Friedman, 2016). Even though historians and critiques differ on the significance of his contributions (Friedman, 2016)., the Emancipation Proclamation was made in his time and signed by him.
Economic Contributions
Moreover, during his presidency the transcontinental railroad to the Pacific ocean was also laid, the infrastructure was expanded, new banking system was created and the agrarian problem was solved. However, after the war the country faced many problems including the unity of the nation and the adjustment of the rights of the black and white population. After the assassination of Lincoln the United States economy for a long time became the fastest growing economy in the world, allowing the country in the early twentieth century to become a world leader. Much to his personal qualities made it possible to mobilize forces and to reunite the country. To this day, Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the most intellectual presidents of the United States. (Schwartz, 2000)
Conclusion
In my opinion, Abraham Lincoln led the United States to a new stage of development. After all, he removed the impediment to the promotion of the United States to a leading position in the economic, the political and the social sphere with abolishing slavery. He sent Americans on the way of the unity of freedom and equality. The solution of the agrarian problem and the transition to a farming way of development of agriculture also contributed to the improvement of people's livelihood and economic growth. Contribution of Abraham Lincoln to the country's development is difficult to overestimate as it is one of the greatest presidents in the history of the United States of America.
References
Behrouzi, M. (2005). Democracy as the political empowerment of the people. Lanham, Md.: Lexington Books.
Friedman, M. (2016). Home | IIP Digital | U.S. Department of State. America.gov. Retrieved 5 July 2016, from http://www.america.gov
Kiester, E. (2009). Before they changed the world. Beverly, Mass.: Fair Winds Press. Schwartz, B. (2000). Abraham Lincoln and the forge of national memory. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Wheeler, J. (2008). Abraham Lincoln, a man of faith and courage. West Monroe, LA: Howard Books.
