History Abraham Lincoln Questions Long
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. He was the son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln. Lincoln's family was of humble origins, and they lived a simple and modest life.
During his early childhood, Lincoln's family moved to Indiana due to land disputes in Kentucky. They settled in Spencer County, where Lincoln spent most of his formative years. His father was a farmer and carpenter, and Lincoln learned various skills from him, including woodworking and farming.
Lincoln's formal education was limited, and he only attended school for a total of about a year. However, he was an avid reader and self-educated himself by borrowing books from neighbors and local libraries. He developed a love for learning and was particularly interested in history, politics, and law.
Tragedy struck Lincoln's family when his mother passed away in 1818. His father remarried the following year, and Lincoln developed a close relationship with his stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston. She encouraged his education and supported his aspirations.
In 1830, Lincoln's family once again relocated, this time to Illinois. Lincoln, now a young adult, started working odd jobs and eventually settled in New Salem, where he worked as a store clerk and postmaster. It was during this time that he began his political career, running for the Illinois General Assembly but was unsuccessful.
Lincoln's interest in law grew, and he studied it independently while working as a surveyor. In 1836, he obtained his law license and began practicing in Springfield, Illinois. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer and became involved in politics, joining the Whig Party.
In 1842, Lincoln married Mary Todd, and they had four sons, although only one survived into adulthood. Despite personal hardships, including the loss of two of his children and his own struggles with depression, Lincoln continued to pursue his political ambitions.
His political career gained momentum in the 1850s when he became involved in the anti-slavery movement. Lincoln's opposition to the expansion of slavery led to his nomination as the Republican Party's candidate for the presidency in 1860. He won the election, becoming the first Republican president.
Abraham Lincoln's early life and background were marked by humble beginnings, limited formal education, and a strong desire for self-improvement. His experiences shaped his character and instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and determination. These qualities would later define his presidency and his role in leading the United States through one of its most challenging periods, the Civil War.