slide 11

Lincoln was an incredibly tall man (193 cm), and his long hat added a few more inches to his height. He used the hat not only as a fashion item, but also as a storehouse for money, letters and important records. It was called "chimney" because it resembled a pipe.

slide 12

During the American Civil War, one of the leaders of the army of the northerners, General McClellan, was a supporter of the waiting tactics of warfare, received a letter from Lincoln with the following content: "My dear general! If you do not need your army now, I would like it borrow for a while. Regards, Lincoln."

Interesting Facts biography of the legendary politician

slide 13

Abraham Lincoln was the only US president to have a license to run a saloon. He co-owned the Berry and Lincoln establishment in Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln's favorite sport is cockfighting.

Interesting facts from the biography of the legendary politician

Slide 14

After Lincoln's death, he was reburied 17 times, either due to reconstruction of the tomb or for safety reasons. At the same time, his coffin was opened six times. Only in 1901, 36 years after his death, did Lincoln's body find its final rest.

Interesting facts from the biography of the legendary politician

View all slides

Biography of Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln (Eng. Abraham Lincoln, February 12 April 1865) American statesman, 16th President of the United States (), the first President of the Republican Party, the liberator of American slaves, the national hero of the American people. Vegetarian.

Born into a poor peasant family. From an early age, he was engaged in physical labor. Due to the difficult financial situation of the family, he attended school for no more than a year, but managed to learn to read and write and fell in love with books. Having become an adult, he began an independent life, was engaged in self-education, passed the exams and received permission to practice law. During the Indian uprising in Illinois, he joined the militia, was elected captain, but did not participate in the fighting. He was also a member of the Illinois Legislative Assembly, the US House of Representatives, in which he opposed the US-Mexican War. In 1858 he became a candidate for US Senators, but lost the election.

As an opponent of the expansion of slavery into new territories, he was one of the initiators of the creation of the Republican Party, was chosen as its presidential candidate and won the 1860 election. His election signaled the secession of the southern states and the emergence of the Confederacy. In his inaugural speech, he called for the reunification of the country, but could not prevent the conflict.

Lincoln personally directed the military operations that led to the victory over the Confederacy during the Civil War. His presidential activities led to the strengthening of executive power and the abolition of slavery in the United States. Lincoln included his opponents in the government and was able to attract them to work on common goal. The president kept Britain and other European countries from intervening throughout the war. During his presidency, a transcontinental railroad was built, the Homestead Act was adopted, which solved the agrarian question. Lincoln was an outstanding orator, his speeches inspired northerners and are a vivid legacy to this day. At the end of the war, he proposed a plan for moderate Reconstruction, associated with national harmony and the rejection of revenge. He was a supporter of the integration of blacks into American society. On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was mortally wounded in a theater, becoming the first U.S. president to be assassinated. According to conventional wisdom and social polls, he is still one of America's best and most beloved presidents, although he was heavily criticized during his presidency.

Lincoln's paternal ancestors are traced back to Samuel Lincoln, a weaver who emigrated in 1637 from Hingham, Norfolk, Britain to Hingham, Massachusetts. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, the son of uneducated farmers Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, who lived in a small log cabin on a farm in Gardin County, Kentucky (near the town of Hodgenville). He was named after his grandfather, who was killed by the Indians. When Abraham was seven years old (1816), the family moved to Indiana, and a little later to Illinois. At the age of nine (1818), Abraham lost his mother, after which his father married the widow Sarah Bush Johnston. The hut where Lincoln was born

The stepmother, who had three children from her first marriage, believed that children should be educated. Lincoln was the first in the family to learn to write and count, although, according to his own admission, he attended school for no more than a year because of the need to help the family. From childhood, he was addicted to books, carried his love for them through his whole life. Dennis, a friend of his childhood, later wrote: books “After Abe was 12 years old, there was no case when I saw him without a book in his hands ... At night in the hut he knocked over a chair, blocked the light with it, sat on the edge and was reading. It was just weird that a guy could read so much."

As a child, Lincoln read the Bible, Robinson Crusoe, The History of George Washington, and Aesop's fables. When he was a politician, he surprised many with his knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, quotes from which he inserted into his speeches. A striking example is Lincoln's "House Divided" speech, the leitmotif of which was the impossibility of the young country's continued existence in a state of "half-slavery and half-freedom"; later this speech became a textbook. In addition, Lincoln helped neighbors write letters, thus honing grammar and style. He sometimes walked 30 miles to court to hear the lawyers speak. From an early age, Abraham helped the family in the field work, and, becoming older, worked in various ways at the post office, as a lumberjack, surveyor and boatman. He was especially good at chopping wood, for which he received the nickname "chip cutter". Lincoln avoided hunting and fishing because of his moral convictions. Physically, Abraham was much more developed than his peers. Slavery occupied a significant place in Lincoln's worldview. His uncle and uncle's father owned slaves. Lincoln's father rejected slavery for both moral and material reasons: as a worker, he could not compete with slave labor.

The Youth of Abraham Lincoln In 1830, Abraham Lincoln's family moved again. Lincoln, becoming an adult, decides to start an independent life. He found temporary work, during which he happened to swim down the Mississippi River and visit New Orleans, where Lincoln visited the slave market and retained his dislike of slavery for the rest of his life. Soon he settled in the village of New Salem, in Illinois. There, he devoted all his free hours to self-education and classes with a local school teacher. At night, the future president read books by the light of a torch.

In 1832, Lincoln ran for the Illinois legislature but was defeated. After that, he began to systematically study the sciences. Initially, Lincoln wanted to become a blacksmith, but after meeting a justice of the peace, he turned to law. At the same time, he and his companion tried to make money on a trading shop, but things were not going well. Sandburg, author of a popular biography of the president, writes: “...Lincoln did what he read and dreamed. He had nothing to do, and he could sit with his thoughts for days, no one interrupted him. Under this external immobility, mental and moral maturation took place, slowly and steadily.

In 1832, an uprising of Indians broke out in Illinois, who did not want to leave their native places and move west across the Mississippi River. Lincoln joined the militia, was elected captain, but did not participate in the fighting. In 1833, Lincoln was appointed postmaster at New Salem. Thanks to this, he got more free time, which he devoted to studies. The new position allowed him to read political newspapers before being sent. At the end of 1833, Lincoln received the position of land surveyor. After agreeing to the job, he intensively studied Gibson's Theory and Practice of Topography and Flint's Course in Geometry, Trigonometry, and Topography for six weeks. During his years in New Salem, Lincoln often had to borrow money. His habit of repaying his debts in full earned him one of his most famous nicknames, "Honest Abe".

The beginning of the career of politician and lawyer Abraham Lincoln In 1835 (at age 25), Lincoln was elected to the Illinois Legislature, where he joined the Whigs. When Lincoln entered the political arena, Andrew Jackson was President of the United States. Lincoln welcomed his reliance on the people in political action, but did not approve of the policy of the federal center's refusal to regulate the economic life of the states. After the session of the Assembly, he took up the study of law even more decisively than before. After learning on his own, in 1836 Lincoln passed the bar exam. In the same year, in the Legislative Assembly, Lincoln succeeded in obtaining the transfer of the state capital from Vandaliya to Springfield, where he moved in 1837. There, together with William Butler, he joined the firm of Stuart and Lincoln. The young legislator and lawyer quickly gained prestige due to his oratorical skills and impeccable reputation. Often refused to take fees from insolvent citizens, whom he defended in court; traveled to different parts of the state to help people in the analysis of litigation. After the assassination of an abolitionist newspaper publisher in 1837, Lincoln gave the first principled speech at the Young Men's Lyceum in Springfield, emphasizing the values ​​of democracy, the constitution, and the heritage of the Founding Fathers.

In 1840, Lincoln met a Kentucky girl named Mary Todd, and on November 4, 1842, they were married. Mary gave birth to four sons, of whom only the eldest Robert Lincoln lived long enough. Edward Lincoln was born March 10, 1846 and died February 1, 1850 in Springfield. William Lincoln was born December 21, 1850 and died February 20, 1862 in Washington, during his father's presidency. Thomas Lincoln was born April 4, 1853 and died July 16, 1871 in Chicago. Mary Todd, wife of Abraham Lincoln.

Political career before the presidency In 1846, Lincoln was elected a member of the House of Representatives of Congress in () from the Whig party. In Washington, not being a particularly influential figure, he, however, actively opposed the actions of President Polk in the Mexican-American War, considering it unjustified aggression on the part of the United States. Nevertheless, Lincoln voted for the allocation of funds by Congress for the army, for the material support of disabled soldiers, wives who lost their husbands, in addition, he supported the requirement to grant voting rights to women. Lincoln sympathized with the abolitionists and was opposed to slavery, but did not recognize extreme measures, advocated the gradual emancipation of slaves, since the integrity of the Union put above the freedom of blacks.

Rejection of the popular Mexican-American War damaged Lincoln's reputation in his home state and he decided to decline re-election to the House of Representatives. In 1849, Lincoln was informed that he had been appointed Secretary of the then Territory of Oregon. Accepting the offer would have meant the end of a career in booming Illinois, so he declined the appointment. Lincoln moved away political activity and in later years practiced law, became one of the state's leading attorneys, and was legal counsel for the Illinois Central railroad. During the 23 years of his legal career, Lincoln was involved in 5,100 cases (excluding unregistered cases), and with partners appeared before the State Supreme Court more than 400 times.

In 1856, like many former Whigs, he joined the anti-slavery Republican Party, formed in 1854, and in 1858 was nominated as a candidate for a seat in the US Senate. In the election, his opponent was Democrat Stephen Douglas. The debate between Lincoln and Douglas, during which the issue of slavery was discussed, became widely known (some called this debate a dispute between a "little giant" (S. Douglas) and a "big sucker" (A. Lincoln)). Lincoln was not an abolitionist, but opposed slavery on moral grounds. He considered slavery a necessary evil in the agrarian economy of the South. Trying to challenge the arguments of Douglas, who accused his opponent of radicalism, Lincoln assured that he was not in favor of granting blacks political and civil rights. The issue of slavery, in his opinion, is within the competence of individual states and the federal government has no constitutional right to interfere in this problem

At the same time, Lincoln firmly opposed the spread of slavery to new territories, which undermined the foundations of slavery, because its extensive nature required expansion into the undeveloped lands of the West. Stephen Douglas won the election, but Lincoln's anti-slavery speech "A House Divided", in which he justified the impossibility of the country's continued existence in a state of "half-slavery and semi-freedom", was widely distributed in the United States, creating a reputation for its author as a fighter against slavery. Extensive character In October 1859 in the south, an uprising of John Brown broke out, seizing the government arsenal and planning to start a slave uprising in the south. The detachment was blocked by troops and exterminated. Lincoln condemned Brown's actions as an attempt to forcefully resolve the issue of slavery. 1859 John BrownArsenal

Presidential Election and Inauguration Moderate views on slavery determined Lincoln's election as the compromise Republican presidential candidate in the 1860 election. The southern states threatened to secede from the Union if the Republicans won. Compromise Republican Party Election of 1860 Statue of Lincoln at the Memorial

Both parties, Democratic and Republican, fought for the values ​​that the candidates embodied. Lincoln's personality was associated among Americans with diligence, honesty, and social mobility. Coming from the people, he was a man who "made himself." On November 6, 1860, participation in the elections for the first time exceeded 80% of the population. Lincoln, largely due to the split in the Democratic Party, which nominated two candidates, managed to get ahead of his rivals in the elections and become the president of the United States and the first from his new party. Lincoln won the election, mainly due to the support of the North. In nine southern states, Lincoln's name did not appear on the ballot at all, and he managed to win in only 2 districts out of 996. Social mobility on November 6, 1860 of the Democratic Party

Division of the Union and Lincoln's Inauguration Lincoln was opposed to the expansion of slavery, and his election victory further divided the American people. Even before his inauguration, 7 southern states, at the initiative of South Carolina, announced their secession from the United States. The Upper South (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Arkansas) initially rejected the separatists' appeal, but soon joined in the insurgency. Incumbent James Buchanan and President-elect Lincoln refused to recognize the secession. In February 1861, a constitutional convention in Montgomery, Alabama, proclaimed the creation of the Confederate States of America, and Jefferson Davis was elected president and sworn in the same month. Richmond became the state capital. Inauguration South Carolina Delaware Maryland Virginia North Carolina Tennessee Kentucky Missouri

Lincoln evaded would-be assassins in Baltimore and arrived in Washington on February 23, 1861, on a special train. During his inauguration on March 4, the capital was filled with troops guarding order. In his speech, Lincoln said: Baltimore February 23, 1861 Washington March 4 “I believe that the union of these states is eternal in terms of universal law and the Constitution. Eternity, even if it is not expressed directly, is implied in the Basic Law of all state forms of government. It's safe to say that no system of government as such has ever had a demise clause in its Basic Law... Exterior of the Lincoln Memorial.

And again, if the United States is not a system of government in the proper sense of the word, but an association of states based simply on treaty, can it, as a treaty, be amicably terminated by fewer parties than it was when it was created? One party to the treaty can violate it, that is, break it, but is not the consent of all required to legally cancel its effect? Based on these general principles, we come to the assertion that, from a legal point of view, the Union is eternal, and this is confirmed by the history of the Union itself. ... It follows that no State shall have the right to secede from the Union purely on its own initiative, that decisions and decrees adopted for this purpose have no legal force and acts of violence committed within any state (or states) directed against the Government of the United States , acquire, depending on the circumstances, an insurrectionary or revolutionary character

In his speech, Lincoln also stated that he "has no intention of interfering directly or indirectly with the functioning of the institution of slavery in those states where it exists": "I believe that I have no legal right to do this, and I am not inclined to do it. » Lincoln called for a peaceful solution to the conflict and the restoration of the unity of the United States. However, the exit had already been carried out and the Confederation was intensively preparing for military operations. The overwhelming majority of representatives of the southern states in the US Congress left him and went over to the side of the South. Confederation in the US Congress After taking office, Lincoln took advantage of the protectionist system of distribution of posts. Already in the spring of 1861, 80% of the posts controlled by the Democrats were occupied by the Republicans. When forming the government, Lincoln included his opponents in it: the post of US Secretary of State received William Seward, Secretary of Justice Edward Bates Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase.Protectionist 1861 US Secretary of StateWilliam Seward of Justice Edward BatesFinance Salmon Chase

The beginning of the war () The fighting began on April 12, 1861 with an attack by the southerners on Fort Sumter in Charleston Bay, which, after a 34-hour shelling, was forced to surrender. In response, Lincoln declared the southern states in revolt, ordered the blockade of the Confederacy by sea, called for volunteers for the army, and later introduced conscription. Even before Lincoln's inauguration, a lot of weapons and ammunition were brought to the south, and seizures of federal arsenals and warehouses were organized. The most combat-ready units were located here, which were replenished by hundreds of officers who left the federal army. The beginning of the Civil War was unsuccessful for the North. April 12, 1861 Sumter Charleston Confederate armyConscription of the Civil War

The Southerners, prepared for warfare, were in a hurry to defeat the Union troops before the North mobilized superior military and economic potential. Heavily criticized for military defeats and economic difficulties, Lincoln, despite his lack of military experience, took decisive steps to build a combat-ready army, not even stopping at restricting civil liberties or spending funds not yet approved by the budget of Congress. In the first major battle in Virginia at the Manassas railroad station on July 21, 1861, the federal army was defeated. On November 1, Lincoln appointed J. B. McClellan as commander-in-chief, who avoided active action. On October 21, its units were defeated near Washington. On November 8, 1861, the British steamship Trent was captured, on board of which were the ambassadors of the southerners. This provoked the "Trent Affair" and almost led to war against Great Britain.

In February-March 1862, General Ulysses Grant succeeded in driving the southerners out of Tennessee and Kentucky. By the summer, Missouri was liberated, and Grant's troops entered the northern regions of Mississippi and Alabama. As a result of the landing operation on April 25, 1862, New Orleans was captured. MacLellan was removed from the post of commander in chief by Lincoln and placed at the head of one of the armies, whose task was to capture Richmond. MacLellan opted for defensive action instead of an offensive. August the northerners were defeated at the second battle of Bull Run, after which Lincoln announced the call of the people. On September 7, at Antietam Creek, the 40,000-strong army of the South was attacked by McClellan's 70,000-strong army, which defeated the Confederates. The flood of the Potomac River cut off Lee's retreat, but McLellan, despite Lincoln's order, abandoned the offensive and missed the opportunity to complete the defeat of the southerners. February March 1862 Ulysses Grant Tennessee Kentucky Missouri Grant Mississippi Alabama April 25, 1862 March 10, 1862

After the Battle of Antietam, Great Britain and France refused to enter the war and recognize the Confederation. Russia during the war years maintained friendly relations with the United States. The Russian squadron paid a visit to San Francisco and New York in years. Great Britain France Russia USA squadron San Francisco New York 1862 The year 1862 was also marked by the first battle of armored ships in history, which took place on March 9 off the coast of Virginia. The campaign of 1862 ended with the defeat of the northerners at Friederiksberg on December 13. Armored on March 9, 1862 at Friederiksberg on December 13

The political process The plight of the federal army caused discontent among the population. Lincoln was under pressure from the Republican Party, which included both supporters of the immediate abolition of slavery and advocates for the gradual emancipation of slaves. Lincoln adhered to a policy of compromise, thanks to which he managed to prevent a split in the party. He was convinced that even in wartime, a political process should be carried out in the country. This made it possible throughout the Civil War to maintain freedom of speech, avoid serious restrictions on civil liberties and the crisis of the two-party system of the Republican Party freedom of speech of the two-party system

Elections were held during Lincoln's presidency, citizens participated in government. After the Southern attack on Fort Sumter, some members of the Democratic Party formed a "loyal opposition" supporting government policies. On August 22, 1862, in an interview with the New York Tribune, when asked why he was delaying freeing the slaves, Lincoln replied to the Sumter Democratic Party on August 22, 1862 My highest goal in this struggle is to preserve the union, not to preserve or abolish slavery. If I could save the union without freeing a single slave, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some slaves and not others liberated, I would do it. What I do in the matter of slavery and for the colored race, I do because I believe it will help to keep the union... By this I have explained here my intention, which I consider as an official duty. And I do not intend to change my often expressed personal desire that all people everywhere should be free ..

Homestead At the initiative of Abraham Lincoln, on May 20, 1862, the Homestead Act was passed, according to which every citizen of the United States who reached the age of 21 and did not fight on the side of the Confederacy could receive from the lands of the public fund a plot of land not more than 160 acres (65 hectares) after payment registration fee of $10. The law came into force on January 1, 1863. A settler who started cultivating the land and began to build buildings on it received free ownership of this land after 5 years. The land could also be acquired ahead of schedule, with a payment of $1.25 per acre. About 2 million homesteads were distributed in the United States under the Homestead Act, with a total area of ​​​​about 285 million acres (115 million hectares). This law radically solved the agrarian problem, directing the development of agriculture along the farmer's path, led to the settlement of hitherto desert territories and provided Lincoln with the support of the broad masses of the population.

Emancipation of slaves Failures in the war and its delay gradually changed Lincoln's attitude to the issue of slave ownership. He came to the conclusion that the United States would either become completely free or completely slave. It became clear that the main goal of the war, the restoration of the Union, was becoming unattainable without the abolition of slavery. Lincoln always advocated the gradual emancipation of blacks on a compensatory basis, now he believed that slavery should be abolished. Preparations for the abolition of the institute were carried out throughout 1862. On December 30, 1862, the President signed the "Emancipation Proclamation", which declared the Negroes living in territories in revolt against the United States, "henceforth and forever" free. Lincoln

The document gave impetus to the adoption of the XIII Amendment (1865) to the American Constitution, which completely abolished slavery in the United States. The Proclamation was rightly criticized by Radical Republicans, since the emancipation of slaves was carried out where the power of the federal government did not extend, but it changed the nature of the Civil War, turning it into a war to abolish slavery. In addition, she forced foreign states, including Great Britain, not to support the Confederation. British Prime Minister Palmerston was unable to organize interventions due to public opposition. The emancipation of slaves made it possible to recruit black Americans into the army. By the end of the war, there were 180 thousand blacks in the federal troops. 1865 American Constitution ProclamationGreat Britain Palmerston Americans

Battle of Gettysburg March 3 On March 3, 1863, for the first time in the history of the United States, conscription was introduced. At the same time, the rich were allowed to hire figureheads and pay off the service, which provoked unrest, during which many blacks who fell victim to the lynchings died. The northerners retreated, and the Confederates, bypassing Washington from the north, entered Pennsylvania. In this situation, the outcome of the three-day battle at Gettysburg, during which more than 50 thousand people died, acquired great importance. Lee's army was defeated and retreated to Virginia. On July 4, on the western front, after a multi-day siege and two unsuccessful assaults, General Grant captured the fortress of Vicksburg. 1863 Lee Pennsylvania Gettysburg July 4 In December 1863, Lincoln promised an amnesty to all rebels (except for the leaders of the Confederation), subject to taking an oath of allegiance to the United States and accepting the abolition of slavery. The year ended with the victory at Chattanooga. December 1863 amnesty for Chattanooga

July 8 On July 8, Port Hudson was taken in Louisiana. Thus, control was established over the Mississippi River Valley, and the Confederacy was divided into two parts. On November 19, 1863, the official opening ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery took place, where the fallen participants of the battle were buried. During the opening of the memorial, Lincoln delivered one of his most famous speeches, once again confirming his outstanding oratorical talents. At the end of a short speech, Louisiana Mississippi November 19, 1863, one of his most famous speeches, “We must solemnly decree that these deaths will not be in vain, and our nation, under the auspices of God, will receive a new source of freedom, and this is a government of the people, created by the people and for the people, will not die on earth"

Re-election, end of the war Ideas about the end of the war became more and more popular among the people. Lincoln's task was to instill in the Americans faith in victory. The President canceled the transfer of those arrested to the court, which allowed the imprisonment of deserters and the most ardent supporters of slavery and peace. In the 1863 congressional elections, the Democrats managed to close the gap in the number of mandates, but the Republicans still managed to maintain a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. In March 1864, Lincoln appointed Ulysses Grant as commander-in-chief, who, together with W. Sherman and F. Sheridan, carried out the plan developed by Lincoln by delivering coordinated strikes to weaken the southerners and defeat them. The main blow was dealt by Sherman's army, which launched an invasion of Georgia in May. Grant's army acted against General Lee.1864Ulysses GrantW.ShermanF.Sheridan

Despite his own doubts and the objections of party leaders, Lincoln decided to run for a second term, although over the past four years he had made many enemies, he was often criticized by newspapers and hated by many people. The Democratic Party declared ending the war and negotiating as its slogan. Her candidate was General J. B. McLellan, who was dismissed by Lincoln from the post of commander in chief in 1862. In the Republican Party, Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase tried to become one of the contenders, but Lincoln was nominated as the only candidate. On September 2, 1864, Sherman's capture of Atlanta's confederate breadbasket allowed Lincoln to defeat his peace rival McLellan in the presidential election and gain 212 of 233 electoral votes. On January 31, 1865, Congress passed the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, at the urging of Lincoln, which banned slavery in the country. In early 1865 Northern victory was already a foregone conclusion J. B. McLellan 1862 Salmon Chase September 2, 1864 Atlanta presidential election January 31, 1865 US Constitution slavery of 1865

In his second inaugural speech, Lincoln called for the abandonment of revenge, set the task of reconstructing the South, building a harmonious Union: reconstruction “Having no malice towards anyone, filled with mercy, firm in truth, Americans must bandage the wounds of the country ... do everything possible to win and preserve a just and lasting peace in your home and with all the peoples of the world." Grant Grant, who had an army of 115,000 in the spring of 1865, forced Lee, who had only 54,000 men at his disposal, to leave Petersburg, and on April 2, the capital of the confederation, Richmond. April 9, 1865 Li signed the Surrender, the resistance of individual units was crushed by the end of May. After the arrest of Jefferson Davis and members of his government, the Confederacy ceased to exist. Lee Petersburg April 2 Richmond April 9, 1865 Surrender

Lincoln's Assassination Civil War The Civil War ended with the surrender of the Confederate States of America on April 9, 1865. The country was to carry out the Reconstruction of the South and begin the process of integrating blacks into American society. Five days after the end of the war, on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, at the play "My American Cousin" (at the Ford Theatre), Southerner actor John Booth entered the presidential box and shot Lincoln in the head. In the morning next day Without regaining consciousness, Abraham Lincoln died. Millions of Americans, white and black, came to pay their last respects to their president during the two and a half week funeral train journey from Washington to Springfield, where Lincoln was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The tragic death of Lincoln contributed to the creation around his name of the halo of a martyr who gave his life for the reunification of the country and the liberation of slaves. April 9, 1865 integration Good Friday April 14, 1865 John Booth Washington Springfield

The results of the presidency and the historical significance of Abraham Lincoln The Civil War was the bloodiest military conflict in the history of the United States and the most difficult test for American democracy. Abraham Lincoln became a central historical figure in the minds of the American people, a man who prevented the collapse of the United States and made a significant contribution to the formation of the American nation and the abolition of slavery as the main obstacle to the subsequent normal development of the country. Lincoln laid the foundation for the modernization of the South, the emancipation of slaves. He owns the formulation of the main goal of democracy: "Government created by the people, from the people and for the people." During his presidency, a transcontinental railway to the Pacific Ocean was also laid, the infrastructure system was expanded, a new banking system was created, and the agrarian problem was solved. However, at the end of the war, the country faced many problems, including the unity of the nation and the equalization of the rights of blacks and whites. In part, these problems still confront American society.

After the assassination of Lincoln, the economy of the United States for a long time became the most dynamically developing economy in the world, which allowed the country to become a world leader at the beginning of the 20th century. In many ways, his personal qualities made it possible to mobilize the forces of the state and reunite the country. Lincoln adhered to strict moral principles of morality, had a sense of humor but was also prone to intense melancholy. To this day, Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the most intellectual presidents of the United States. As a token of gratitude of the American people in Washington, the sixteenth President Abraham Lincoln erected a memorial as one of the four presidents who determined the historical development of the United States of America.

Lincoln Memorial The memory of Lincoln is immortalized in a memorial located on the Esplanade in downtown Washington in years and symbolizing the president's belief that all people should be free. The building symbolizes the United States, it is supported by 36 columns (the number of states during the Lincoln presidency). Inside this white marble structure, sculptor Daniel French has placed a six-meter statue of the Liberator President sitting in thought. On the inner walls of the memorial, under allegorical murals, the texts of the Gettysburg and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Addresses are reproduced.

In addition, many monuments have been erected in honor of Lincoln in the United States, a city, streets, a university, various centers, a brand of prestigious cars, and an aircraft carrier have been named. The president's profile is carved on Mount Rushmore. Abraham Lincoln's birthday is a national holiday in the United States.

slide 1

Abraham Lincoln (02/12/1809-04/14/1865)

slide 2

Biography of Abraham Lincoln
On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. The liberator of American slaves, the national hero of the American people, Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky on February 12, 1809.

slide 3

Lincoln grew up in the family of a poor farmer - he was engaged in physical labor from an early age. Due to the difficult financial situation of the family, he attended school for no more than a year, but managed to learn to read and write and fell in love with books. When he grew up, he worked part-time at many jobs: at the post office, as a lumberjack, a hunter, etc. He did not have time for education, and, as many sources say: at that time he read only the Bible and Robinson Crusoe.

slide 4

The hut where Lincoln was born

slide 5

Having become an adult, he began an independent life, was engaged in self-education, passed the exams and received permission to practice as a lawyer. During the Indian uprising in Illinois, he joined the militia, was elected captain, but did not participate in the hostilities.

slide 6

In 1846, lawyer Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress. In 1856, Lincoln joined the Republican Party, and in 1860 he managed to win the US presidential election. Abraham Lincoln became the 16th president of his country, but this event resulted in a confrontation between the North and South of the United States of America.

Slide 7

The civil war began. On September 22, Lincoln issued an executive order promising to give freemen status to all slaves in the rebellious southern states if they did not return to the union by early 1863. This initiative of Abraham Lincoln became the basis for the adoption of an amendment to the US Constitution, which effectively eliminated slavery throughout the country.

Slide 8

The president kept Britain and other European countries from intervening throughout the war. During his presidency, a transcontinental railroad was built, the Homestead Act was adopted, which solved the agrarian question. Lincoln was an outstanding orator, his speeches inspired northerners and are a vivid legacy to this day.

Slide 9

In 1864, Lincoln was re-elected president. On April 14, 1865, he was assassinated. The next day, the 16th President of the United States died. Until now, he is considered the best president in the history of the state.

Slide 10

1. Before becoming President of the United States, Lincoln lost in 18 elections. His life is the clearest illustration of the phenomenal success built by his own hands: 1831 - went bankrupt in business, declared bankrupt; 1832 - defeated in elections to the legislative chamber of his state; 1834 - again went bankrupt in business and was again declared bankrupt: 1835 -1836 - personal failures and, as a result, a severe nervous breakdown, was treated for a long time; 1838 - was defeated in the next election; 1843, 1846, 1848 - defeated in elections to the US Congress; 1855 - defeated in elections to the Senate; 1856 - defeated as a candidate for vice president of the United States; 1858 - defeated in elections to the Senate; 1860 - Elected President of the United States.

slide 11

Lincoln was an incredibly tall man (193 cm), and his long hat added a few more inches to his height. He used the hat not only as a fashion item, but also as a storehouse for money, letters and important records. It was called "chimney" because it resembled a pipe.
Interesting facts from the biography of the legendary politician

After Lincoln's death, he was reburied 17 times, either due to reconstruction of the tomb or for safety reasons. At the same time, his coffin was opened six times. Only in 1901, 36 years after his death, did Lincoln's body find its final rest.
Interesting facts from the biography of the legendary politician

Abraham Lincoln presentation can be downloaded absolutely free on our website. Presentation subject: History. Colorful slides and illustrations will help you to interest your classmates or audience. To view the contents of the presentation, use the player, or if you want to download the presentation, click on the appropriate text under the player. The presentation contains 43 slides.

Presentation slides

slide 1

Abraham Lincoln

slide 2

Biography of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln (Eng. Abraham Lincoln, February 12, 1809 - April 15, 1865) - American statesman, 16th President of the United States (1861-1865), the first president of the Republican Party, the liberator of American slaves, the national hero of the American people. Vegetarian.

slide 3

Born into a poor peasant family. From an early age, he was engaged in physical labor. Due to the difficult financial situation of the family, he attended school for no more than a year, but managed to learn to read and write and fell in love with books. Having become an adult, he began an independent life, was engaged in self-education, passed the exams and received permission to practice law. During the Indian uprising in Illinois, he joined the militia, was elected captain, but did not participate in the fighting. He was also a member of the Illinois Legislative Assembly, the US House of Representatives, in which he opposed the US-Mexican War. In 1858 he became a candidate for US Senators, but lost the election.

slide 4

As an opponent of the expansion of slavery into new territories, he was one of the initiators of the creation of the Republican Party, was chosen as its presidential candidate and won the 1860 election. His election signaled the secession of the southern states and the emergence of the Confederacy. In his inaugural speech, he called for the reunification of the country, but could not prevent the conflict.

slide 5

Lincoln personally directed the military operations that led to the victory over the Confederacy during the Civil War of 1861-1865. His presidential activities led to the strengthening of executive power and the abolition of slavery in the United States. Lincoln included his opponents in the government and was able to bring them to work towards a common goal. The president kept Britain and other European countries from intervening throughout the war. During his presidency, a transcontinental railroad was built, the Homestead Act was adopted, which solved the agrarian question. Lincoln was an outstanding orator, his speeches inspired northerners and are a vivid legacy to this day. At the end of the war, he proposed a plan for moderate Reconstruction, associated with national harmony and the rejection of revenge. He was a supporter of the integration of blacks into American society. On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was mortally wounded in a theater, becoming the first U.S. president to be assassinated. According to conventional wisdom and social polls, he is still one of America's best and most beloved presidents, although he was heavily criticized during his presidency.

slide 6

Lincoln's paternal ancestors are traced back to Samuel Lincoln, a weaver who emigrated in 1637 from Hingham, Norfolk, Britain to Hingham, Massachusetts. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 into a family of uneducated farmers - Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, who lived in a small log cabin on a farm in Gardin County, Kentucky (near the town of Hodgenville). He was named after his grandfather, who was killed by the Indians. When Abraham was seven years old (1816), the family moved to Indiana, and a little later - to Illinois. At the age of nine (1818), Abraham lost his mother, after which his father married the widow Sarah Bush Johnston.

The hut where Lincoln was born

Slide 7

The stepmother, who had three children from her first marriage, believed that children should be educated. Lincoln was the first in the family to learn to write and count, although, according to his own admission, he attended school for no more than a year because of the need to help the family. From childhood, he was addicted to books, carried his love for them through his whole life. Dennis, a childhood friend, later wrote: “After Abe was 12 years old, there was no case when I would have seen him without a book in his hands ... At night in the hut he would knock over a chair, block out the light with it, sit on the edge and read . It was just weird that a guy could read so much."

Slide 8

As a child, Lincoln read the Bible, Robinson Crusoe, The History of George Washington, and Aesop's fables. When he was a politician, he surprised many with his knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, quotes from which he inserted into his speeches. A striking example is Lincoln's "House Divided" speech, the leitmotif of which was the impossibility of the young country's continued existence in a state of "half-slavery and half-freedom"; later this speech became a textbook. In addition, Lincoln helped neighbors write letters, thus honing grammar and style. He sometimes walked 30 miles to court to hear the lawyers speak. From an early age, Abraham helped the family in the field work, and, becoming older, worked in various ways - at the post office, as a lumberjack, surveyor and boatman. He was especially good at chopping wood, for which he received the nickname "chip cutter". Lincoln avoided hunting and fishing because of his moral convictions. Physically, Abraham was much more developed than his peers.

Slavery occupied a significant place in Lincoln's worldview. His uncle and uncle's father owned slaves. Lincoln's father rejected slavery for both moral and material reasons: as a worker, he could not compete with slave labor.

Slide 9

The Youth of Abraham Lincoln In 1830, Abraham Lincoln's family moved again. Lincoln, becoming an adult, decides to start an independent life. He found temporary work, during which he happened to sail down the Mississippi River and visit New Orleans, where Lincoln visited the slave market and retained a lifelong dislike of slavery. Soon he settled in the village of New Salem, in Illinois. There, he devoted all his free hours to self-education and classes with a local school teacher. At night, the future president read books by the light of a torch.

Slide 10

In 1832, Lincoln ran for the Illinois legislature but was defeated. After that, he began to systematically study the sciences. Initially, Lincoln wanted to become a blacksmith, but after meeting a justice of the peace, he turned to law. At the same time, he and his companion tried to make money on a trading shop, but things were not going well. Sandburg, author of a popular biography of the president, writes:

“...Lincoln did what he read and dreamed. He had nothing to do, and he could sit with his thoughts for days, no one interrupted him. Under this external immobility, mental and moral maturation took place, slowly and steadily.

slide 11

In 1832, an uprising of Indians broke out in Illinois, who did not want to leave their native places and move west across the Mississippi River. Lincoln joined the militia, was elected captain, but did not participate in the fighting. In 1833, Lincoln was appointed postmaster at New Salem. Thanks to this, he got more free time, which he devoted to studies. The new position allowed him to read political newspapers before being sent. At the end of 1833, Lincoln received the position of land surveyor. After agreeing to the job, he intensively studied Gibson's Theory and Practice of Topography and Flint's Course in Geometry, Trigonometry, and Topography for six weeks. During his years in New Salem, Lincoln often had to borrow money. His habit of repaying his debts in full earned him one of his most famous nicknames, "Honest Abe".

slide 12

The beginning of the career of politician and lawyer Abraham Lincoln

In 1835 (at age 25), Lincoln was elected to the Illinois Legislature, where he joined the Whigs. When Lincoln entered the political arena, Andrew Jackson was President of the United States. Lincoln welcomed his reliance on the people in political action, but did not approve of the policy of the federal center's refusal to regulate the economic life of the states. After the session of the Assembly, he took up the study of law even more decisively than before. After learning on his own, in 1836 Lincoln passed the bar exam. In the same year, in the Legislative Assembly, Lincoln succeeded in obtaining the transfer of the state capital from Vandaliya to Springfield, where he moved in 1837. There, together with William Butler, he joined the firm of Stuart and Lincoln. The young legislator and lawyer quickly gained prestige due to his oratorical skills and impeccable reputation. Often refused to take fees from insolvent citizens, whom he defended in court; traveled to different parts of the state to help people in the analysis of litigation. After the assassination of an abolitionist newspaper publisher in 1837, Lincoln gave the first principled speech at the Young Men's Lyceum in Springfield, emphasizing the values ​​of democracy, the constitution, and the heritage of the Founding Fathers.

slide 13

In 1840, Lincoln met a girl from Kentucky named Mary Todd (born Mary Todd, 1818-1882) and on November 4, 1842 they were married. Mary gave birth to four sons, of which only the eldest, Robert Lincoln, lived long enough. Edward Lincoln was born March 10, 1846 and died February 1, 1850 in Springfield. William Lincoln was born December 21, 1850 and died February 20, 1862 in Washington, during his father's presidency. Thomas Lincoln was born April 4, 1853 and died July 16, 1871 in Chicago.

Mary Todd, wife of Abraham Lincoln.

Slide 14

Political career before presidency

In 1846, Lincoln was elected a member of the House of Representatives in Congress (1847-1849) from the Whig party. In Washington, not being a particularly influential figure, he, however, actively opposed the actions of President Polk in the Mexican-American War, considering it unjustified aggression on the part of the United States. Nevertheless, Lincoln voted for the allocation of funds by Congress for the army, for the material support of disabled soldiers, wives who lost their husbands, in addition, he supported the requirement to grant voting rights to women. Lincoln sympathized with the abolitionists and was opposed to slavery, but did not recognize extreme measures, advocated the gradual emancipation of slaves, since he placed the integrity of the Union above the freedom of blacks.

slide 15

Rejection of the popular Mexican-American War damaged Lincoln's reputation in his home state and he decided to decline re-election to the House of Representatives. In 1849, Lincoln was informed that he had been appointed Secretary of the then Territory of Oregon. Accepting the offer would have meant the end of a career in booming Illinois, so he declined the appointment. Lincoln retired from politics and in later years practiced law, became one of the state's leading attorneys, and was legal counsel for the Illinois Central railroad. Over the course of 23 years of his legal career, Lincoln was involved in 5,100 cases (excluding unrecorded ones), and, along with partners, appeared before the State Supreme Court more than 400 times.

The box at Ford's Theater that Lincoln was in when Booth shot him.

slide 16

In 1856, like many former Whigs, he joined the anti-slavery Republican Party, formed in 1854, and in 1858 was nominated as a candidate for a seat in the US Senate. In the election, his opponent was Democrat Stephen Douglas. The debate between Lincoln and Douglas, during which the issue of slavery was discussed, became widely known (some called this debate a dispute between a "little giant" (S. Douglas) and a "big sucker" (A. Lincoln)). Lincoln was not an abolitionist, but opposed slavery on moral grounds. He considered slavery a necessary evil in the agrarian economy of the South. Trying to challenge the arguments of Douglas, who accused his opponent of radicalism, Lincoln assured that he was not in favor of granting blacks political and civil rights. The issue of slavery, in his opinion, is within the competence of individual states and the federal government has no constitutional right to interfere in this problem.

Slide 17

At the same time, Lincoln firmly opposed the spread of slavery to new territories, which undermined the foundations of slavery, because its extensive nature required expansion into the undeveloped lands of the West. Stephen Douglas won the election, but Lincoln's anti-slavery speech "A House Divided", in which he justified the impossibility of the country's continued existence in a state of "half-slavery and semi-freedom", was widely spread in the United States, creating its author a reputation as a fighter against slavery. In October 1859, the revolt of John Brown broke out in the south, seizing the government arsenal and planning to start a slave uprising in the south. The detachment was blocked by troops and exterminated. Lincoln condemned Brown's actions as an attempt to forcefully resolve the issue of slavery.

Slide 18

Presidential election and inauguration

Moderate views on the issue of slavery determined Lincoln's election as the compromise Republican presidential candidate in the 1860 election. The southern states threatened to secede from the Union if the Republicans won.

Statue of Lincoln at the memorial

Slide 19

Both parties, Democratic and Republican, fought for the values ​​that the candidates embodied. Lincoln's personality was associated among Americans with diligence, honesty, and social mobility. Coming from the people, he was a man who "made himself." On November 6, 1860, participation in the elections for the first time exceeded 80% of the population. Lincoln, largely due to the split in the Democratic Party, which nominated two candidates, managed to get ahead of his rivals in the elections and become the president of the United States and the first from his new party. Lincoln won the election, mainly due to the support of the North. In nine southern states, Lincoln's name did not appear on the ballot at all, and he managed to win in only 2 of 996 districts.

Slide 20

Division of the Union and Lincoln's inauguration

Lincoln was opposed to the expansion of slavery, and his election victory further divided the American people. Even before his inauguration, 7 southern states, at the initiative of South Carolina, announced their secession from the United States. The Upper South (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Arkansas) initially rejected the separatists' appeal, but soon joined in the insurgency. Incumbent James Buchanan and President-elect Lincoln refused to recognize the secession. In February 1861, a constitutional convention in Montgomery, Alabama, proclaimed the creation of the Confederate States of America, and Jefferson Davis was elected president and sworn in the same month. Richmond became the capital of the state.

slide 21

Lincoln evaded would-be assassins in Baltimore and arrived in Washington on February 23, 1861, on a special train. During his inauguration on March 4, the capital was filled with troops guarding order. In his speech, Lincoln said:

“I believe that from the point of view of universal law and the Constitution, the union of these states is eternal. Eternity, even if it is not expressed directly, is implied in the Basic Law of all state forms of government. It can be safely asserted that no system of government as such has ever had in its Basic Law a provision for the cessation of its own existence ...

Exterior view of the Lincoln Memorial.

slide 22

And again, if the United States is not a system of government in the proper sense of the word, but an association of states based simply on treaty, can it, as a treaty, be amicably terminated by fewer parties than it was when it was created? One party - a party to the contract can violate it, that is, break it, but isn't the consent of all required to legally cancel its action? Based on these general principles, we come to the conclusion that, from a legal point of view, the Union is eternal, and this is confirmed by the history of the Union itself. ... It follows that no State shall have the right to secede from the Union purely on its own initiative, that decisions and decrees adopted for this purpose have no legal force and acts of violence committed within any state (or states) directed against the Government of the United States , acquire, depending on the circumstances, an insurrectionary or revolutionary character

slide 23

In his speech, Lincoln also stated that he "has no intention of interfering directly or indirectly with the functioning of the institution of slavery in those states where it exists": "I believe that I have no legal right to do this, and I am not inclined to do it. » Lincoln called for a peaceful solution to the conflict and the restoration of the unity of the United States. However, the exit had already been carried out and the Confederation was intensively preparing for military operations. The overwhelming majority of representatives of the southern states in the US Congress left it and went over to the side of the South.

After taking office, Lincoln took advantage of the protectionist system of distribution of posts. Already in the spring of 1861, 80% of the posts controlled by the Democrats were occupied by the Republicans. When forming the government, Lincoln included his opponents in it: the post of US Secretary of State was given to William Seward, the Minister of Justice - Edward Bates, the Secretary of the Treasury - Salmon Chase.

slide 24

Start of the war (1861-1862)

The fighting began on April 12, 1861 with an attack by the southerners on Fort Sumter in Charleston Bay, which, after a 34-hour shelling, was forced to surrender. In response, Lincoln declared the southern states in revolt, ordered the blockade of the Confederacy by sea, called for volunteers for the army, and later introduced conscription. Even before Lincoln's inauguration, a lot of weapons and ammunition were brought to the south, and seizures of federal arsenals and warehouses were organized. The most combat-ready units were located here, which were replenished by hundreds of officers who left the federal army. The beginning of the Civil War was unsuccessful for the North.

Slide 25

The Southerners, prepared for warfare, were in a hurry to defeat the Union troops before the North mobilized superior military and economic potential. Heavily criticized for military defeats and economic difficulties, Lincoln, despite his lack of military experience, took decisive steps to build a combat-ready army, not even stopping at restricting civil liberties or spending funds not yet approved by the budget of Congress. In the first major battle in Virginia at the Manassas railroad station on July 21, 1861, the federal army was defeated. On November 1, Lincoln appointed J. B. McClellan as commander-in-chief, who avoided active action. On October 21, its units were defeated near Washington. On November 8, 1861, the British steamship Trent was captured, on board of which were the ambassadors of the southerners. This triggered the "Trent Affair" and nearly led to war against Great Britain.

slide 26

In February-March 1862, General Ulysses Grant succeeded in driving the southerners out of Tennessee and Kentucky. By the summer, Missouri was liberated, and Grant's troops entered the northern regions of Mississippi and Alabama. As a result of the landing operation on April 25, 1862, New Orleans was captured. MacLellan was removed from the post of commander in chief by Lincoln and placed at the head of one of the armies, whose task was to capture Richmond. McLellan opted for defensive action over offensive action. On August 29-30, the northerners were defeated in the second battle of Bull Run, after which Lincoln announced a call for 500,000 people. On September 7, at Antietam Creek, the 40,000-strong army of the South was attacked by McClellan's 70,000-strong army, which defeated the Confederates. The flood of the Potomac River cut off Lee's retreat, but MacLellan, despite Lincoln's orders, abandoned the offensive and missed the opportunity to complete the defeat of the southerners.

Slide 27

After the Battle of Antietam, Great Britain and France refused to enter the war and recognize the Confederation. Russia during the war years maintained friendly relations with the United States. The Russian squadron paid a visit to San Francisco and New York in 1863-1864. The year 1862 was also marked by the first battle of armored ships in history, which took place on March 9 off the coast of Virginia. The campaign of 1862 ended with the defeat of the Northerners at Friederiksberg on 13 December.

Slide 28

Political process

The plight of the federal army caused discontent among the population. Lincoln was under pressure from the Republican Party, which included both supporters of the immediate abolition of slavery and advocates for the gradual emancipation of slaves. Lincoln adhered to a policy of compromise, thanks to which he managed to prevent a split in the party. He was convinced that even in wartime, a political process should be carried out in the country. This made it possible throughout the Civil War to preserve freedom of speech, avoid serious restrictions on civil liberties and the crisis of the two-party system.

Slide 29

Elections were held during Lincoln's presidency, citizens participated in government. After the Southern attack on Fort Sumter, some members of the Democratic Party formed a "loyal opposition" supporting government policies. On August 22, 1862, in an interview with the New York Tribune, when asked why he was delaying emancipating the slaves, Lincoln replied that My highest goal in this struggle is to preserve the union, not to preserve or abolish slavery. If I could save the union without freeing a single slave, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some slaves and not others liberated, I would do it. What I do in the matter of slavery and for the colored race, I do because I believe it will help to keep the union... By this I have explained here my intention, which I consider as an official duty. And I do not intend to change my often expressed personal desire that all people everywhere should be free. .

slide 30

At the initiative of Abraham Lincoln, on May 20, 1862, the Homestead Act was passed, according to which every citizen of the United States who has reached the age of 21 and did not fight on the side of the Confederacy could receive from the lands of the public fund a plot of land not more than 160 acres (65 hectares) after payment of the registration fee of 10 dollars. The law came into force on January 1, 1863. A settler who started cultivating the land and began to build buildings on it received free ownership of this land after 5 years. The land could also be acquired ahead of schedule, with a payment of $1.25 per acre. About 2 million homesteads were distributed in the United States under the Homestead Act, with a total area of ​​​​about 285 million acres (115 million hectares). This law radically solved the agrarian problem, directing the development of agriculture along the farmer's path, led to the settlement of hitherto desert territories, and provided Lincoln with the support of the masses of the population.

Slide 31

Freeing the slaves

The failures in the war and its prolongation gradually changed Lincoln's attitude towards the issue of slavery. He came to the conclusion that the United States would either become completely free or completely slave. It became clear that the main goal of the war - the restoration of the Union, became unattainable without the abolition of slavery. Lincoln always advocated the gradual emancipation of blacks on a compensatory basis, now he believed that slavery should be abolished. Preparations for the abolition of the institute were carried out throughout 1862. On December 30, 1862, the President signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring the Negroes living in territories in revolt against the United States "from now and forever" free.

Ford's Theater where Lincoln was mortally wounded

slide 32

The document gave impetus to the adoption of the XIII Amendment (1865) to the American Constitution, which completely abolished slavery in the United States. The Proclamation was rightly criticized by Radical Republicans, since the emancipation of slaves was carried out where the power of the federal government did not extend, but it changed the nature of the Civil War, turning it into a war to abolish slavery. In addition, she forced foreign states, including Great Britain, not to support the Confederation. British Prime Minister Palmerston was unable to organize interventions due to public opposition. The emancipation of slaves made it possible to recruit black Americans into the army. By the end of the war, there were 180,000 blacks in the federal troops.

Slide 33

Gettysburg battle

On March 3, 1863, for the first time in the history of the United States, conscription was introduced. At the same time, the rich were allowed to hire figureheads and pay off the service, which provoked unrest, during which many blacks who fell victim to lynchings died. In May 1863, the 130,000-strong Union army was defeated by the 60,000-strong army of General Lee. The northerners retreated, and the Confederates, bypassing Washington from the north, entered Pennsylvania. In this situation, the outcome of the three-day battle at Gettysburg, during which more than 50 thousand people died, acquired great importance. Lee's army was defeated and retreated to Virginia. On July 4, on the western front, after a many-day siege and two unsuccessful assaults, General Grant captured the fortress of Viksberg.

In December 1863, Lincoln promised amnesty to all rebels (except Confederate leaders) subject to an oath of allegiance to the United States and acceptance of the abolition of slavery. The year ended with the victory at Chattanooga.

slide 34

On July 8, Port Hudson was taken in Louisiana. Thus, control was established over the Mississippi River Valley, and the Confederacy was divided into two parts. On November 19, 1863, the official opening ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery took place, where the fallen participants of the battle were buried. During the opening of the memorial, Lincoln delivered one of his most famous speeches, once again confirming his outstanding oratorical talents. At the end of a short speech, it was said: “We must solemnly decide that these deaths will not be in vain, and our nation, under the protection of God, will receive a new source of freedom, and this government of the people, created by the people and for the people, will not die on earth”

Slide 35

Re-election, end of war

The idea of ​​ending the war became more and more popular among the people. Lincoln's task was to instill in the Americans faith in victory. The President canceled the transfer of those arrested to the court, which allowed the imprisonment of deserters and the most ardent supporters of slavery and peace. In the 1863 congressional elections, the Democrats managed to close the gap in the number of mandates, but the Republicans still managed to maintain a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. In March 1864, Lincoln appointed Ulysses Grant as commander-in-chief, who, together with W. Sherman and F. Sheridan, carried out the plan developed by Lincoln - by delivering coordinated strikes to weaken the southerners and defeat them. The main blow was dealt by Sherman's army, which launched an invasion of Georgia in May. Grant's army was in action against General Lee.

slide 36

Despite his own doubts and the objections of party leaders, Lincoln decided to run for a second term, although over the past four years he had made many enemies, he was often criticized by newspapers and hated by many people. The Democratic Party declared ending the war and negotiating as its slogan. Her candidate was General J. B. McLellan, who was dismissed by Lincoln from the post of commander in chief in 1862. In the Republican Party, Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase tried to become one of the contenders, but Lincoln was nominated as the only candidate. The capture of Atlanta on September 2, 1864 by Sherman, the breadbasket of the confederation, allowed Lincoln to defeat his rival, a supporter of peace, McLellan, in the presidential election and gain 212 of 233 electoral votes. On January 31, 1865, Congress passed the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, at the urging of Lincoln, which banned slavery in the country. At the beginning of 1865, the victory of the northerners was already a foregone conclusion.

Slide 37

In his second inaugural speech, Lincoln called for the abandonment of revenge, set the task of reconstructing the South, building a harmonious Union:

"Having no malice towards anyone, filled with mercy, firm in truth, Americans should bind up the wounds of the country ... do everything possible to win and maintain a just and lasting peace in their home and with all the peoples of the world."

Grant, who had an army of 115,000 men in the spring of 1865, forced Lee, who had only 54,000 men at his disposal, to leave Petersburg, and on April 2, Richmond, the capital of the confederation. April 9, 1865 Li signed the Surrender, the resistance of individual units was crushed by the end of May. After the arrest of Jefferson Davis and members of his government, the Confederation ceased to exist.

Slide 38

Lincoln assassination

The Civil War ended with the surrender of the Confederate States of America on April 9, 1865. The country was to carry out the Reconstruction of the South and begin the process of integrating blacks into American society. Five days after the end of the war, on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, at the play "My American Cousin" (at the Ford Theatre), Southerner actor John Booth entered the presidential box and shot Lincoln in the head. The next morning, without regaining consciousness, Abraham Lincoln died. Millions of Americans, white and black, came to pay their last respects to their president during the two and a half week funeral train journey from Washington to Springfield, where Lincoln was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The tragic death of Lincoln contributed to the creation around his name of the halo of a martyr who gave his life for the reunification of the country and the liberation of slaves.

Slide 39

The results of the presidency and the historical significance of Abraham Lincoln

The Civil War was the bloodiest military conflict in the history of the United States and the most difficult test for American democracy. Abraham Lincoln became a central historical figure in the minds of the American people, a man who prevented the collapse of the United States and made a significant contribution to the formation of the American nation and the abolition of slavery as the main obstacle to the subsequent normal development of the country. Lincoln laid the foundation for the modernization of the South, the emancipation of slaves. He owns the formulation of the main goal of democracy: "Government created by the people, from the people and for the people." During his presidency, a transcontinental railway to the Pacific Ocean was also laid, the infrastructure system was expanded, a new banking system was created, and the agrarian problem was solved. However, at the end of the war, the country faced many problems, including the unity of the nation and the equalization of the rights of blacks and whites. In part, these problems still confront American society.

Slide 40

After the assassination of Lincoln, the economy of the United States for a long time became the most dynamically developing economy in the world, which allowed the country to become a world leader at the beginning of the 20th century. In many ways, his personal qualities made it possible to mobilize the forces of the state and reunite the country. Lincoln adhered to strict moral principles of morality, had a sense of humor but was also prone to intense melancholy. To this day, Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the most intellectual presidents of the United States. As a token of the gratitude of the American people, a memorial was erected in Washington to the sixteenth President Abraham Lincoln as one of the four presidents who determined the historical development of the United States of America.

Slide 41

Lincoln Memorial

The memory of Lincoln is immortalized in a memorial located on the Esplanade in downtown Washington in 1914-1922 and symbolizing the president's belief that all people should be free. The building symbolizes the United States, it is supported by 36 columns (the number of states during the Lincoln presidency). Inside this white marble structure, sculptor Daniel French has placed a six-meter statue of the Liberator President sitting in thought. On the inner walls of the memorial, under the allegorical paintings, the texts of the Gettysburg and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Addresses are reproduced.

Slide 42

In addition, many monuments have been erected in honor of Lincoln in the United States, a city, streets, a university, various centers, a brand of prestigious cars, and an aircraft carrier have been named. The president's profile is carved on Mount Rushmore. Abraham Lincoln's birthday is a national holiday in the United States.

slide 43

Thank you for your attention!!!

Teacher Smirnov Evgeny Borisovich Prepared by student 8 "a" Saltykova Tatyana