Political Science Abraham Lincoln Introduction

Political Science

Abraham Lincoln

Introduction leader is someone that keeps everyone pressing on, even if it seems hopeless, and never gives up on what is right. The leader I admire is President Abraham Lincoln, who made his mark in history by becoming one of America's most extraordinary presidents, and if given the opportunity, is the one person from the past that I would like to have a conversation with.

Someone to Admire

Scholars "routinely rate the presidency of Abraham Lincoln as the most outstanding in American history. Lincoln is 'so much a part of what it means to be American that for us to know Abraham Lincoln is to know America at its core' wrote one such scholar (Skidmore, 2002)."

When Lincoln took his place as president, he took an oath to do everything he could for America. I feel he did just that by bringing America back together. When Lincoln was elected, America consisted of white people and black slaves, but upon taking office, Lincoln freed the slaves and instilled in them their sense of individualism.

Lincoln led America to believe that slaves are not dogs that can be beaten, and be treated any way we feel. He pointed out that American slaves are humans, and made by the same God who created the white man.

Abraham Lincoln stressed this opinion by stating "that 'I never in my life was more certain that I was doing right than I do in signing' the Emancipation Proclamation into military law on January 1, 1863 (Guelzo, 2002)."

When Lincoln presented these reasons to America he knew he was putting himself in danger, however this did not deter him from abolishing slavery. While he was able to prove a point to America, his actions may have ultimately led to his assassination.

Fredrick Douglas, a former slave, once spoke about Lincoln. He emphasized that "few great public men have ever been the victims of fiercer denunciation than Abraham Lincoln was during his administration (Unknown, 2003)."

Memorable Conversation

If I had the chance to have a conversation with President Lincoln, I would start by thanking him for what he did for America and the slaves. I would stress how much I, as well as many others, admire him for not backing down when others disagreed with him. I would ask how it felt to be faced with such criticism and where he gained the courage to continue his work. During the conversation, I would let him know how this work impacted not only the people of his time, but how its legacy continues even today.