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Birth

How many humanist democratic great statesmen have been born in the history of the great world? The most prominent among them is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, to a carpenter’s family in a village in Kentucky, America. His father was Thomas Lincoln and his mother was Nancy Hanks Lincoln. His father was a carpenter by profession. He knew nothing about education. He used to support his family through manual work.

Childhood

Living in a harsh environment, Lincoln was hard working from an early age. At the age when children played in their mother’s arms, he used to go to the forest with his father to cut wood. He used to help his father with cultivating the land. He used to cut wood and help his father to build a house. He floated on the river bed with a small boat.

When Lincoln was only four years old, his father moved the family to the backwoods of Indiana. Lincoln’s childhood and adolescence were spent here in the lap of nature in a sparsely populated environment.

Death of Mother

Lincoln’s mother suddenly fell ill when he was six years old. There was no medical treatment then. A village doctor lived thirty-five miles away. Almost without treatment, Lincoln’s mother died seven days later.

For a year after his mother died, Lincoln and his younger sister did housework. Father looked after the outside activities. One day, while Lincoln was working at home, his father arrived in a horse-drawn wagon with a large wooden box. On one side of the compartment were several small box beds. Lincoln and his sister saw this bed for the first time. As soon as the father got out of the car and opened the compartment door, three small children came down. Behind them came a woman with a healthy smiling face.

The husband of this woman, an acquaintance of Lincoln’s father, had died some time before. Considering a woman in the world, Thomas Lincoln married her. Lincoln’s stepmother was as industrious as she was intelligent. A new house will be built soon. The amount of cultivated land has increased.

Education

Lincoln’s father had little interest in educating his children as there were no schools at that time. Two or four less educated people opened schools and gave primary education to children. Lincoln enrolled in such a school with the interest of his stepmother. It was here that he learned to read and write.

Later he wrote, — my school life was not more than one year in all. But it was during this year that Lincoln took a deep interest in studies. Whenever someone went to town, he would bring them books on various subjects. During the day, while working in the forest or working in the fields, he had a book with him. At night, he would sit in front of the fire and write on the slate.

 His favorite book as a teenager was the Bible. He used to read the Bible whenever he had time. Later biblical influences can be seen in his writings and speeches. Lincoln gradually passed through adolescence and entered adulthood. For nineteen years, Lincoln did not go anywhere except in the vicinity of his home village.

At this time, he was tasked with transporting some goods to the Port of New Orleans. Lincoln left with a large boat loaded with goods. It was at this port that Lincoln first saw Negro children, women, and men being sold as slaves. An auction is called for each slave. They are handed over to the highest bidder. Those among them who express the slightest difficulty are brutally flogged. All of Lincoln’s mind was filled with pain at this inhuman scene. He was so disturbed by the extent of this slavery. He said to one of his companions, if I ever get an opportunity, I will strike a blow against this abominable practice.

Marriage and Children

Stephen Douglas was a member of the Governing Body. A fateful relationship with a woman that Lincoln developed during this period would later become Lincoln’s chief rival.

A beautiful young woman named Mary Todd came to visit her grandmother. His flamboyant attire, charming speech, beautiful dancing, stirred the hearts of the youth of Springfield. The competition for his companion started. One night, Lincoln and Douglas went to a dance. Mary came to that event. Elegant taste aristocracy blossomed in the handsome Douglas’s use of pickles.

Lincoln, on the other hand, was quite the opposite, with a primitive ferocity. Mary was drawn to Lincoln’s ruggedness. When the conversation deepened, Lincoln proposed marriage. Mary married Lincoln on November 4, 1842, despite her disapproval at first.

Lincoln was a loving husband and father of four sons, although his work regularly kept him away from home. The eldest son, Robert Todd Lincoln, was born in 1843. Edward Bucker Lincoln was born in 1846. Died on February 1, 1850, probably of tuberculosis. Lincoln’s third son, Willie Lincoln, was born on December 21, 1850. But he died of fever at the White House on February 20, 1862. The youngest, Thomas Tad Lincoln, was born on April 4, 1853. But he too died of heart disease on July 18, 1871. Both their parents were deeply affected by the deaths of their sons, Eddie and Willie.

Career

Lincoln made a substantial profit selling goods at the Port of New Orleans. The owner of the goods was pleased with his work and made him the manager of the warehouse in Newsalem. As there was not much pressure on work here, he was immersed in books on various subjects all the time. In fact, this is where his political activities were introduced. During a provincial election, he took charge of overseeing the functioning of the polling stations. Unknowingly, he got attracted towards politics. The number of educated people in Newsalem was very few.

 Lincoln’s sweet personality, his knowledge, cooperative demeanor, and outspoken nature made him popular in Newsalem in no time. During this time, he met James Rutledge, a local innkeeper. This gentleman first saw in Lincoln the shadow of a politician. He encouraged Lincoln to participate in local politics.

Lincoln frequented James’s tavern. James lived with his daughter Annie. Annie’s good looks, sweet demeanor charmed Lincoln. But in a few days, Lincoln learned that Annie McNeil was engaged to a young man. Although he was temporarily hurt, Lincoln made up his mind.

At this time, Lincoln joined the war against the natives. Although he was not directly involved in the war. But for the first time in his life he felt the experience of war. After the war, he returned to Newsalem. At that time, he was only twenty-three. Lincoln decided to go into business for himself when the goods merchant’s warehouse he worked in suddenly went bankrupt. One of his companions also joined in this work. That companion was addicted to alcohol. And Lincoln was addicted to books. The business was soon closed.

Political Life

Through the efforts of a few zealots, Lincoln participated in the Illinois gubernatorial election. But he lost the election due to lack of political experience. At that time, he took a peon job in Newsalem. His job was to deliver letters and newspapers door to door. At the end of the day’s work, he would return home and start his studies. Lincoln ran for re-election in 1834. This time he won. He had to go to Illinois as an elected representative.

There was a lot of time at the council’s work, and there were no known people. Lincoln decided he would take the law test and advocate. He took books from the city library and started reading.

Meanwhile, the state capital of Illinois was moved to Springfield. Lincoln also had to go to Springfield to take care of the council’s business. In 1836, Lincoln passed the law exam with honors and began practicing law. A friend of Lincoln’s during this time wrote about him. Lincoln’s appearance was as strange as his clothes were. On his head was an old colored hat. Sometimes he used to put correspondence papers inside this hat. His clothes were small in proportion to his appearance. And the coat is very big in that proportion. He never kept his papers in order. There were stacks on the table. More would spill from the table to the floor.

When you can’t find a piece of paper anywhere, look here for what Lincoln wrote on one side of a large piece of paper. Lincoln quickly became famous as a lawyer. He would first try to understand a case deeply. Then he would express it very simply with strong arguments. Another big reason behind his establishment in the legal business was his honesty and unsophisticated mind. He never accepted any injustice. If he had realized that he had been appointed in a false case, he would have immediately returned the power of attorney. But rather than establishing himself as a lawyer, Lincoln became increasingly attracted to politics. In 1838 and 1840 he was twice elected as a member of the Board of Directors.

At the insistence of his wife Mary, Lincoln once left his law practice in Springfield and came to Washington to live in luxury. Mary’s strong desire was to establish herself as a member of the Lincoln Central Executive Committee. Thus, Lincoln fully devoted himself to politics and within a short time established himself as one of the leading political figures. In 1847, Lincoln was elected a member of the Washington Parliament, contesting the election to the central executive meeting on time after receiving the party nomination.

In 1854, the New Republic Party was formed. One of the main organizers of this party was Abraham Lincoln. He explained the political ideals of this party so clearly and logically that the whole country was mesmerized by his eloquence. In fact, from here his name spread far and wide.

At this time, the Republican National Convention unanimously announced Lincoln’s name as the candidate for the presidency of the United States. Lincoln was playing handball in Springfield when the news reached him. After reading the telegram, he said, “Let’s give the news to the person who will be most happy after knowing this news.” Lincoln could never please his wife Mary. Lincoln’s wife, Mary, was probably delighted to receive this news. Lincoln ran for the Republican position and his arch rival, Douglas, was the Democratic candidate.

Most of the American people realized that the only person capable of leading the country in the face of this dire crisis was Abraham Lincoln.

. Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States, defeating Douglas. Congratulations came to him from all quarters. Despite this incredible success, Lincoln did not change in the slightest.

One day he was discussing with some prominent members of the party when an old woman came. Lincoln met this poor old woman when he worked in a warehouse in Newsalem. The old woman was never seen again. Seeing the old woman, Lincoln went forward. The old woman thanked Lincoln and gave him two cheap socks and said, – I have knitted these two socks for you, wear these two socks. Lincoln took two socks from the old man. Then he wore both legs. Overwhelmed with joy, tears rolled down the old woman’s eyes. Everyone present was impressed by this scene.

In February 1861, Lincoln left Springfield for Washington. His wife Mary was with him. His dream had been fulfilled. But this victory forever robbed Lincoln of all peace of mind.

On March 4, 1861, Lincoln was sworn in as the President of the United States. Standing in front of the small number of people present, he announced in a strong voice, – Slavery must be eradicated from the country and the country will not be divided for any reason. Northern and Southern states were already at odds over whether to support slavery. After Lincoln was elected president, Southern states felt that Northern abolitionists would pressure the Southern economy by passing laws in their favor. Meanwhile, the Southern economy was heavily dependent on slaves. They did not know that Abraham Lincoln was against slavery.

Southern states decided they would secede from the United States. Led by South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia declared their independence from the United States and established a separate United States. Jefferson Davis was named President of the newly proclaimed United States.

. Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States, defeating Douglas. Congratulations came to him from all quarters. Despite this incredible success, Lincoln did not change in the slightest.

One day he was discussing with some prominent members of the party when an old woman came. Lincoln met this poor old woman when he worked in a warehouse in Newsalem. The elderly woman thanked Lincoln and presented to him two economically priced socks, adding, “I made them for you, please, put them on! In response to her gestures, the president-elect picked two items from her hands, fitted them onto his feet. At this, the aged female was inexpressibly glad that she cried tears of happiness only.” Everyone present was impressed by this scene.

Civil War

Lincoln wanted slavery eliminated from the United States. But his wish will never be fulfilled if the country is divided. So, with his limited power, he declared war against the southern states. America’s bloody civil war began. Northern states had substantial populations. So he got the support of this large number of people. But what was lacking was only a commander, especially a commander capable of commanding the entire army. President Lincoln himself was the head of the land and naval forces. Although he did not know the strategy of war. An experienced commander was needed but none was available. McClellan made a name for himself in the Mexican War. People called him Napoleon II. Everyone believed that this Napoleon II would win the war in a short time.

After the war continued for some time, the political goals of the war gradually changed. At first, the goal of the war was to protect the Union. Gradually, the goal was the abolition of slavery. At first, the entire northern region fought unitedly, but gradually it was seen that the conflict between the Republicans and the Democrats became evident in the political red.

On the other hand, there were demands among the people that slaves who escaped from the South or were captured by Union soldiers should be included in the army. Along with this, requests for more troops and equipment for war came from all sides. Despite these various problems, Lincoln continued to fulfill his duties with a steadfast mind.

At the beginning of this civil war, the Northern army was defeated in various stages of the war due to the extraordinary fighting skills of the Southern commander, Lee. Commander McClellan’s long-winded reluctance to attack also became increasingly apparent. This forced Lincoln to remove McClellan and appoint a new commander, Burnside. But Burnside was defeated in the first battle. As a result, the southern forces gradually strengthened their positions.

Lincoln implored all the people in the country to join the battle. Grant, a forty-year-old ex-captain heeded to his call and because he was discharged from his post, he was considered to have fallen from grace though he was very courageous during battles.

He was selling meat to support his family. But he did not like that work. Within a month of joining the army at Lincoln’s call, he became an officer in a regiment. He then captured a city called Paduka. Then he said to the townspeople, I have come here to protect the dignity of your regime from the hands of the enemy. The strong arm of the government is stationed here to protect its supporters and punish its opponents. I will withdraw the army from here only when you are able to defend yourselves and continue to rule the government.

Reading this strong appeal from Captain Grant, Lincoln realized that the man had an iron determination. When Lincoln was discussing with one of his assistants about a person fit to lead Union forces, he said, ‘The man who tells me “Do this” and “Do that” is my man for the North.’

Grant soon besieged Fort Donelson. But when the enemy General Floyd asked Grant about requirements, Grant replied – no terms except an immediate and unconditional surrender at discretion or else I will attack you. All the countrymen were impressed by Grant’s determination. A person who failed in all spheres of life became Major General in just one year.

Grant first decided to cut off all food supply routes to the south. He attacked Jhatika and blocked all the food import routes, and captured several cities. On the other hand, another Northern commander defeated Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg. Everyone expected the war to end soon. But the extraordinary gallantry of Lee, the commander of the south, became a major obstacle to this hope. Lincoln realized that only Grant could defeat Lee.

Lincoln once said of Grant, “I don’t know what to say about Grant.” The quietest and smallest man I have ever seen and the most unassuming of all. In the end, Lincoln’s idea came true. Lee began to retreat in the face of Grant’s fierce attack. One by one, the southern cities fell to him. Lee eventually took refuge in the city of Richmond. Grant’s artillery was roaring on the outskirts of Richmond. Now I’m just waiting for Lee to surrender.

In his historic address to the nation, Lincoln said — without malice toward any, with generosity toward all…Let us all accomplishes our honorable work together. To heal the nation is to care for the one who abandoned the war or his widowed wife and fatherless children. It is our duty to establish and maintain a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

Finally, after five long years, the war ended. The southern commander, Lee, surrendered. Lincoln came to Richmond with his army. As soon as this news spread, Negroes flocked to see him. They screamed for joy when they saw Lincoln. Lincoln calmed them down and said, – My poor friends, you are all free, free as the wind. You will never have to bear the name ‘Das’ again. Freedom is your birthright.” On his return to Washington, Slavery was legally ended when Henry Lincoln finally signed the Emancipation Proclamation. In this proclamation he said,, Abraham Lincoln made an order and declared that all who are held as slaves in the said states are henceforth free.’ After issuing this order, he said in a press conference, “If my name ever goes down in history, it will be for this work, in which I have fully supported myself.”

Death

Going to the theater at night. It was at Mary’s urging that he agreed to go to the theatre. Just as he was leaving to go to the theatre, a petition came from a southern prisoner. He surrendered and prayed for release. Lincoln granted the prisoner’s request. This is his last official work.

All the audience congratulated him as soon as he reached the theater hall. Lincoln and Mary sat in their seats. Two hours have passed since the event. At that time, a man came to the guard who was near the door of the box and said, “The president has to give a message.” As the guard let him in, the assailant entered and shot Lincoln in the head. Injured, Lincoln collapsed on the chair. As Lincoln’s bodyguard went to catch the assassin, he jumped down, stabbing him with a dagger. A flag rope tied his feet and he fell. Somehow, he stood up and shouted in the southern language, sic semper tyrannus (end of tyranny). Then he disappeared in the crowd.

Lincoln was escorted to a house in front of the theater hall. The vital struggle of his strong body against the injury continued for nearly nine hours. Lincoln is then unconscious. Present were his wife Mary, Lincoln’s eldest son, and all members of his cabinet. On April 15, 1865, that is, at seven o’clock the next morning, Lincoln breathed his last.

Lincoln was fifty-six at the time of his death. In this life, he fought not only to protect the integrity of the United States and to preserve the freedom of the people. He expanded the horizon of human dignity through his work. He dedicated his life to a universal ideal, for the people, by the people, rule by the people, which will never disappear from the earth. There is a famous quote about Abraham Lincoln – “From Lay cabin to the White House”.