EDMES Grade Five Learning Tree

The American Civil War

People Who Made a Difference

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky on February 12, 1809.  He became the nations' 16th president.  Lincoln's surprising election in 1860 helped spark the war itself, when South Carolina seceded.  He was known for his stand against slavery and his belief in self government as he led the country through the Civil War.  Lincoln thus believed that he proved to the world that democracy can be a lasting form of government.

Abe was an excellent speaker; his most famous speech was the Gettysburg Address.  Abe had a good sense of humor and liked to make jokes. Often ranked as one of the nation's greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln remains a tragic historical figure, gunned down by an assassin just days after winning the nation's bloodiest war. He was assassinated at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. on April 15, 1865.  Lincoln was the first U.S. president to be assassinated.