The first president to do several things was Abraham Lincoln: he was the first president to have a mustache, the first to kill the firstborn outside of the original 13 states, the first and only one to have a pet cat eat with him at the White House dinner table, and he was the first president to have something patented. The most remembered President of the United States of America is Lincoln. As the 16th president, he is also considered to be the most powerful person ever elected to the office of the United States.
After being born on February 12, 1809, he was then elected to office, becoming the first Republican president on March 4, 1861, at the age of 51, and receiving over 40 percent of the popular vote. He lived a brief life of 56 years. He retained the place of the office until he was murdered at the Petersen House in Washington, D.C., by John Wilkes Booth on April 15, 1865. Abraham Lincoln was the greatest and most effective president because he brought America through its Civil War during his presidency, and while doing so he retained the Union, modernized the economy, gave the federal government power, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which was the beginning to freeing the slaves.
One of America's lowest points in history was the Civil War, but winning this war was a big key to the success of Lincoln as president. While Lincoln divided the country by agreeing to fight this battle, he also did everything in his power to win and get everybody in the nation back together as one. Lincoln was there to convince people it was possible because nobody else had the confidence needed to win the battle. He showed a real sign of leadership and honesty by doing this. By winning the Civil War, not only did Lincoln display his passion for America, he displayed it by introducing his foreign policy. His foreign policy was so successful that it persuaded the other nations that the cause of fighting in the North was based solely on the principle of emancipation, and while emancipation seemed to be regarded as the 'impossible' of the time, they worked together to win the war against the South, and take back the freedom for African Americans. This reflects what was best for the country because Lincoln understood that it would not only affect America if they won this war, but it would also affect people from around the world and give them hope for the better.
Lincoln also played a significant role in preserving the name 'America, land of the free and home of the brave.' One way he helped to achieve this was to pass the Declaration of Emancipation and to be a huge supporter of the 13th Amendment. Both of these had to do with the abolition of slaves; the Proclamation of Emancipation was a fantastic start to the liberation of slaves, and the 13th amendment was the culmination of legal slavery. While not all of the slaves were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln was also a huge supporter of the 13th Amendment; unfortunately, he was murdered just months before the amendment was passed. In all parts of the United States, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery altogether, which was intended to make all of America free. Granted, some individuals rebelled against this amendment because they did not comply with the terms of illegal slavery. Those who deny freedom to others do not deserve it for themselves,' is a very powerful quote from Lincoln said. This wise quote left such an impact because it shows Lincoln's true character; it shows that all Lincoln wanted was to be free for everyone and for no one to go through life thinking about their limitations.' In modern words, this quote is similar to the quote 'treat others the way you want to be treated,' which is now a rule of thumb that they teach you from Pre-Kindergarten.
Not only is Abraham Lincoln the most quoted president, but he is also the most quoted person worldwide. A few of his quotes are, 'Nearly all men can stand adversity, but give him power if you want to test the character of a man.' This quotation is so important because he remained an honest, trustworthy man even after Lincoln gained his power and fame, and he did not get power hungry like many presidents in the past didn’t have. 'A few more of the famous quotations from Lincoln are, 'Most people are just as happy as they make up their minds to be,' and 'And in the end, it's not the years that matter in your life. 'It's the life of your years.' Lincoln's quotes are so important because they demonstrate that he wanted everybody to be happy and live their lives to the fullest. They show that he didn't want the people of America to do something wrong or himself, that he only wanted America to live its life to the fullest and make it all count. Another thing that these quotes demonstrate is what a good leader Lincoln was, and how he did what was best for the people, which was the greatest president in him becoming a big asset.
Another 'most' that Abraham Lincoln retains is that he was the president who delivered the most unforgettable speeches that influenced the largest number of individuals. Gettysburg Address, for instance, not everyone would know this speech by its name, but if anyone were to utter the words 'four score and seven years ago...' it would be remembered by most people. In summary, Lincoln claimed in this speech that he was thankful to all the people who fought during the Civil War in the Battle of Gettysburg and that he, along with the rest of America, was in mourning for all the lives lost in this battle. Lincoln reminded all of what these soldiers were fighting for, democracy, national unity, and fair justice for everyone in this address. Lincoln's presidency was focused on these three topics; his primary priority was democracy and equality for all living in the United States of America, not just white men.
By passing a bill that chartered the first transcontinental railroad, Abraham Lincoln also modernized the economy during the war. The opportunity to advance commerce in the United States and the world was provided by this railroad. Along with trade brought more federal income, which also contributed to giving power to the federal government. He also was the first to issue a required income tax to pay for the war. Although it was only a 3% tax on incomes greater than $800, this was the basis of the tax system that America still uses today.
The invention of the first type of paper currency, called 'legal tenders,' was another big thing he did for the economy. He signed the Legal Tender Act in 1862, and thus issued an authorized currency to help pay for the war, which the people called 'greenbacks.' While the principle remains the same for commerce in the United States, income tax, and legal currencies, this system is still used in the United States today, although it has been modernized.
Lincoln has been and continues to be a memorable role model that not only children and adults look up to, but also a role model that other presidents are striving to imitate. Lincoln, known as truthful Abe, is a trustworthy and important president who still lives in the memories and everyday lives of everyone. Lincoln demonstrated real honesty and guidance to the country by leading America through its Civil War. It shows how good of a president he was and how no one can compare, contrasting Lincoln's strong leadership with others. Abraham Lincoln is truly the greatest president, showing true honesty by preserving the Union during America's lowest point in history, which should set a precedent for all to emulate. A true leader for individuals of all ages.