argumentative essay on abraham lincoln

Abraham Lincoln Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on abraham lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln , the name in itself speaks volumes. He is considered the greatest president of the United States of America. Historians and Political Scientists consistently rank him as the best American president ever. Above all, the man is renowned for ending slavery in his country. This certainly created a world-wide awareness against the evil of slavery. In the realm of social reform, he is holding a lofty status.

Historical Reputation

Many surveys of the Presidents of the United States have taken place. Many scholars and experts of the United States took part in such surveys. Most noteworthy, Lincoln is always ranked in the top 3 in such surveys. Furthermore, there has been an organization of Presidential ranking polls since 1948. Abraham Lincoln certainly has the top rating in most of such polls.

Probably the most famous survey was by Chicago Tribune in 1982. There was a participation of 49 Historians and Political Scientists in that survey. These experts were to rate all the United States Presidents in five categories. The categories were: leadership , crisis management, political skills , appointments, and character/integrity. As was probably the prediction of most people, Lincoln got top place. Most noteworthy, Lincoln got top place in all the categories. This shows his magnificent historical reputation.

Many social reformers view him as a champion of liberty. He has the description of a classic liberal by historians. He is a role model to liberal intellectuals and human rights organizations. Some of his avid supporters even compare his life to Jesus Christ.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Memory and Memorials

Abraham Lincoln appears on many postage stamps in the United States. His image also appears on two United States currency denominations. His sculpture on Mount Rushmore is certainly a world-class memorial. Furthermore, his other memorials include Ford’s theatre, Peterson House, and Lincoln Memorial.

The United States military greatly honors Lincoln. Many believe him to a symbol of national unity and pride. Two United States navy ships bear his name.

Abraham Lincoln was certainly a legendary American president. Probably everyone believes him to be a global icon of peace. His legacy is a powerful symbol against oppression. Above all, his greatest contribution to mankind is the emancipation of slaves. The forces of evil tried to stop him. However, his legacy became more glorious because of such attempts. Finally, his assassination took place at the hands of evil forces. However, this assassination left him as a national martyr. The name of Abraham Lincoln certainly belongs in the pages of greatness.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Help inform the discussion

Abraham Lincoln: Impact and Legacy

In 1982, forty-nine historians and political scientists were asked by the Chicago Tribune to rate all the Presidents through Jimmy Carter in five categories: leadership qualities, accomplishments/crisis management, political skills, appointments, and character/integrity. At the top of the list stood Abraham Lincoln. He was followed by Franklin Roosevelt, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, and Harry Truman. None of these other Presidents exceeded Lincoln in any category according to the rate scale. Roosevelt fell into second place because he did not measure up to Lincoln in character. Washington, close behind, ranked third because of his lesser political skills. It is the general opinion of pollsters, moreover, that the average American would probably put Lincoln at the top as well. In other words, the judgment of historians and the public tells us that Abraham Lincoln was the nation's greatest President by every measure applied.

Interestingly, had the average Union citizen been asked the same question in the spring of 1863, there can be no doubt but that Lincoln would have fared poorly. Not much more could have been said for him even a year later, when Lincoln thought that he would lose his bid for reelection. It would take Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse and his own death a week later to propel Lincoln into the pantheon of presidential greatness.

And Lincoln's canonization began almost immediately. Within days of his death, his life was being compared to Jesus Christ. Lincoln was portrayed to a worshipping public as a self-made man, the liberator of the slaves, and the savior of the Union who had given his life so that others could be free. President Lincoln became Father Abraham, a near mythological hero, "lawgiver" to African Americans, and a "Masterpiece of God" sent to save the Union. His humor was presented as an example of his humanity; his numerous pardons demonstrated his "great soul"; and his sorrowful demeanor reflected the burdens of his lonely journey as the leader of a "blundering and sinful" people.

Historians, mindful of Lincoln's mythic place in American popular culture, accord him similar praise for what he accomplished and for how he did it. Because he was committed to preserving the Union and thus vindicating democracy no matter what the consequences to himself, the Union was indeed saved. Because he understood that ending slavery required patience, careful timing, shrewd calculations, and an iron resolve, slavery was indeed killed. Lincoln managed in the process of saving the Union and killing slavery to define the creation of a more perfect Union in terms of liberty and economic equality that rallied the citizenry behind him. Because he understood that victory in both great causes depended upon purposeful and visionary presidential leadership as well as the exercise of politically acceptable means, he left as his legacy a United States that was both whole and free.

As the most activist President in history, Lincoln transformed the President's role as commander in chief and as chief executive into a powerful new position, making the President supreme over both Congress and the courts. His activism began almost immediately with Fort Sumter when he called out state militias, expanded the army and navy, spent $2 million without congressional appropriation, blockaded Southern ports, closed post offices to treasonable correspondences, suspended the writ of habeas corpus in several locations, ordered the arrest and military detention of suspected traitors, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year's Day 1863.

To do all of these things, Lincoln broke an assortment of laws and ignored one constitutional provision after another. He made war without a declaration of war, and indeed even before summoning Congress into special session. He countered Supreme Court opposition by affirming his own version of judicial review that placed the President as the final interpreter of the Constitution. For Lincoln, it made no sense "to lose the nation and yet preserve the Constitution." Following a strategy of "unilateral action," Lincoln justified his powers as an emergency authority granted to him by the people. He had been elected, he told his critics, to decide when an emergency existed and to take all measures required to deal with it. In doing so, Lincoln maintained that the President was one of three "coordinate" departments of government, not in any way subordinate to Congress or the courts. Moreover, he demonstrated that the President had a special duty that went beyond the duty of Congress and the courts, a duty that required constant executive action in times of crisis. While the other branches of government are required to support the Constitution, Lincoln's actions pointed to the notion that the President alone is sworn to preserve, protect, and defend it. In times of war, this power makes the President literally responsible for the well-being and survival of the nation.

Lincoln's legacy of executive authority did not last beyond his death, and over the next forty years both Congress and the courts overshadowed the White House in power and influence. Still, the most lasting accomplishments attributed to Lincoln are the preservation of the Union, the vindication of democracy, and the death of slavery, all accomplished by the ways in which he handled the crisis that most certainly would have ended differently with a lesser man in office. His great achievement, historians tell us, was his ability to energize and mobilize the nation by appealing to its best ideals while acting "with malice towards none" in the pursuit of a more perfect, more just, and more enduring Union. No President in American history ever faced a greater crisis and no President ever accomplished as much.

Michael Burlingame

Professor Emeritus of History Connecticut College

More Resources

Abraham lincoln presidency page, abraham lincoln essays, life in brief, life before the presidency, campaigns and elections, domestic affairs, foreign affairs, death of the president, family life, the american franchise, impact and legacy (current essay).

• About Abrahamlincoln.org
• Youth & Family
• Politics & Presidency
• Slavery & Emancipation
• The Civil War
• Lincoln’s Legacy
• Exhibitions
• Video & Audio
• Lesson Plans
• Additional Resources
• The Lincoln Prize
• The Gilder Lehrman Institute

He had no pretensions whatsoever. He allowed what he believed and the way he said it to be convincing on the evidence. —Lewis Lehrman

For a general introduction to Lincoln, read the first essay, “Lincoln.”

• Latest Latest
• The West The West
• Sports Sports
• Opinion Opinion
• Magazine Magazine

Perspective: The secret to Abraham Lincoln’s success

Cultivating lincoln’s ‘elasticity of spirits’ could help many of our public leaders today.

By Rodney Dieser

In August 1864, Abraham Lincoln invited Wisconsin Gov. Alexander Williams Randal and Judge Joseph Mills to the Soldier’s Home for a discussion on emancipation measures. Later, Mills recorded in his diary, “I was astonished at his (Lincoln’s) elasticity of spirits.” 

When most Americans report on why they think Lincoln was the nation’s greatest president , they often remark on his significant achievements: he efficaciously pursued a political struggle and civil war that preserved the Union, ended slavery and created the possibility of civil freedom for African Americans. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is considered one of the greatest presidential speeches in American history, but his other discourses, such as the “House Divided” speech , are also regarded as distinguished.

But underlying Lincoln’s achievements and speeches was his ability to be open-minded, to change his thoughts and opinions, and to listen and learn from others, including those who had opposing viewpoints and were cruel to him. In psychology, this ability to thoughtfully consider different perspectives and opinions is called cognitive elasticity or cognitive flexibility.

Conversely, cognitive rigidity is the inability to adapt or change mentally, and this condition is often at the root of many mental health disorders, relationship problems, hatred and interpersonal and community conflict. Cognitive inflexibility predicts extremist attitudes. I believe Lincoln’s greatness flowed from his “elasticity of spirits” and esteem for compromise.

Edwin M. Stanton served as the nation’s secretary of war under Lincoln and is credited with turning a deeply dysfunctional War Department into a high-functioning cabinet that helped the North win the war. What is most remarkable about the Lincoln-Stanton relationship, however, was Lincoln’s attitude toward Stanton.

Lincoln first met Stanton in the summer of 1855, seven years before Stanton would serve as secretary of war, and in short, Stanton treated Lincoln with contempt. This stemmed from a a court case in which both men were involved, McCormick v. Manny , which pitted outstanding patent lawyers against each other.

Lincoln had been asked by George Harding (representing Manny) to prepare legal briefs, as the trial was to be held in Chicago, and Harding wanted a local lawyer who understood Illinois law. When the case was transferred to Cincinnati, Harding removed Lincoln from the case and partnered with the powerful and brilliant Stanton. However, Lincoln was not informed of his removal, continued to work on the case and traveled to Cincinnati to be part of the Harding team.

After Lincoln and Stanton meet, Stanton took Harding aside and reportedly called Lincoln a “long-armed ape” and said “He does not know anything and can do you no good.”

In those days, traveling lawyers stayed at the same hotel and ate meals together, but Stanton and Harding excluded Lincoln and would not invite him to their table for meals or to chat. But Lincoln’s “elasticity of spirits” took over as he stayed in Cincinnati for the entire week as he wanted to study how a magnificent and nationally known lawyer (Stanton) argued a case.

So moved was he by Stanton’s work and legal argument, Lincoln recalled that he stood in “rapt attention” and later revealed to friends Ralph E. Emerson and his wife Adaline Elizabeth Talcott Emerson that he had never witnessed a presentation so brilliant and thoroughly prepared. He determined from the experience that he should study the law better in order to improve his own skills.

Lincoln had the cognitive flexibility to direct his mind to learn from someone who treated him poorly. In today’s climate of divisiveness and conflict, what Lincoln did is practically unimaginable. At their next encounter, six years later, Lincoln would offer Stanton the most powerful cabinet post because he knew he needed Stanton’s superb skill set to win the Civil War.

In the language of modern-day psychology, Lincoln had a “growth mindset” that allowed him to reframe his thinking despite Stanton’s repudiation and insults.

Cognitive elasticity is often at the foundation of complex thinking, humility, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, compassion, empathy and outstanding decision-making.

Stanton’s private secretary, E. A. Johnson, made it very clear how “utterly and irreconcilable unlike” these two men were. As one example, Johnson said that Stanton was all dignity, sternness, and would take hardships with a groan, while Lincoln all simplicity, good nature, and would find a funny story to tell during hardships. Yet Johnson said that both men were better when harnessed together.

Lincoln’s “elasticity of spirits” eventually led him to rethink and recast core constitutional principles (e.g., the federal government could not use armed force to prevent a state from seceding) and altered the Constitution’s framework. His cognitive flexibility directed him to issue the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, which declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.”

Throughout his life, Lincoln was always known to carry a book, and he used much of his free time reading the Bible and books about all sorts of diverse issues — which, in itself, is an action of listening to another person in a sustained manner, which creates the skill set for cognitive elasticity.

And to be fair to his famously diverse cabinet , many of the men Lincoln relied on also had the skill set of cognitive flexibility, including Stanton and Secretary of State William H. Seward.

Lincoln admired compromise like many other great leaders, including George Washington, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Jane Addams. Despite his efforts, extremists in both the North and South united to bring about the war that Lincoln had striven to avoid.

Imagine how America would be today if more Democratic and Republican leaders had Lincoln’s “elasticity of spirits.”

Rodney B. Dieser, who has a doctoral degree, is the author of seven books and more than 100 academic articles. He is a professor of recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership at the University of Northern Iowa, and works as a licensed mental health counselor at Wartburg College, a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Waverly, Iowa. The views expressed here are his own.

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

124 Abraham Lincoln Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most revered figures in American history. As the 16th President of the United States, he played a pivotal role in the preservation of the Union during the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. Given his significant impact on American society, it is no surprise that students are often tasked with writing essays about him. However, coming up with engaging and unique essay topics can be challenging. To help you in your endeavor, we have compiled a list of 124 Abraham Lincoln essay topic ideas and examples.

• The leadership qualities of Abraham Lincoln.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
• A comparative analysis of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.
• Abraham Lincoln's role in the abolition of slavery.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
• The political ideology of Abraham Lincoln.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's assassination on American history.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the preservation of the Union.
• The personal life of Abraham Lincoln: family, upbringing, and relationships.
• A critical analysis of Abraham Lincoln's presidency.
• Abraham Lincoln's contributions to civil rights.
• The economic policies of Abraham Lincoln.
• The foreign policy of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
• Abraham Lincoln's belief in the concept of Manifest Destiny.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in shaping the Republican Party.
• The influence of Abraham Lincoln on subsequent presidents.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of American democracy.
• Abraham Lincoln's approach to handling dissent during the Civil War.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address.
• The economic impact of the Civil War on Abraham Lincoln's presidency.
• Abraham Lincoln's views on race and racial equality.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's Cooper Union speech.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's leadership on the Northern states during the Civil War.
• Abraham Lincoln as a symbol of national unity.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the Reconstruction era.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's Homestead Act.
• Abraham Lincoln's role in shaping the modern presidency.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War.
• The political opposition faced by Abraham Lincoln during his presidency.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the formation of the Union Army.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's election on the Southern states.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's Cooper Union speech in his presidential campaign.
• Abraham Lincoln's approach to diplomacy during the Civil War.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the establishment of the Secret Service.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's assassination on the Reconstruction era.
• Abraham Lincoln's views on states' rights.
• The legacy of Abraham Lincoln in American politics.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the modern Republican Party.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's pardons during the Civil War.
• Abraham Lincoln's approach to military strategy during the Civil War.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the passage of the Homestead Act.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's presidency on the Supreme Court.
• Abraham Lincoln's views on the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the transcontinental railroad.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's assassination on the United States' international reputation.
• Abraham Lincoln's approach to handling the border states during the Civil War.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's leadership in the Battle of Antietam.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the formation of the United States Sanitary Commission.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's presidency on the abolitionist movement.
• Abraham Lincoln's approach to dealing with military generals during the Civil War.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the Republican Party platform.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's role as Commander-in-Chief during the Civil War.
• Abraham Lincoln's views on the expansion of slavery into the western territories.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's leadership on the morale of the Union soldiers.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the passage of the Morrill Act.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's role in the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Abraham Lincoln's approach to handling foreign relations during the Civil War.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's presidency on the women's suffrage movement.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the United States' military-industrial complex.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's role in the Emancipation Proclamation.
• Abraham Lincoln's views on the preservation of the Union versus the abolition of slavery.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's leadership on the outcome of the Civil War.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the Freedmen's Bureau.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's role in the Battle of Vicksburg.
• Abraham Lincoln's approach to handling the Supreme Court during the Civil War.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's presidency on the development of American nationalism.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the United States' military strategy.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's role in the Battle of Shiloh.
• Abraham Lincoln's views on the role of government in the economy.
• The impact of Abraham Lincoln's leadership on the development of the Union Navy.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the United States' infrastructure.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's role in the Battle of Chancellorsville.
• Abraham Lincoln's approach to handling the issue of slavery in the border states.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the United States' military technology.
• The significance of Abraham Lincoln's role in the Battle of Fredericksburg.
• Abraham Lincoln's views on the role of government in education.
• The role of Abraham Lincoln in the development of the United States' transportation system.

We hope this extensive list of Abraham Lincoln essay topics will inspire you to delve into the life and legacy of this influential figure. Whether you choose to explore his leadership qualities, his impact on the Civil War, or his stance on various issues, there are countless angles to approach your essay. Remember to conduct thorough research and present a well-structured argument to make your essay stand out. Good luck!

Want to create a presentation now?

Instantly Create A Deck

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Hassle Free

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2023 Pitchgrade

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Abraham Lincoln Essay

Essay on Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was America's most popular President ever. He had played the most important role in putting an end to slavery in America, and in the entire world. Abraham Lincoln's childhood was spent in such poverty that his family had to struggle for a house. His father did not even have enough money to send him to school. Abraham studied from the old books of others. He started earning his wages from his childhood to feed himself.

Once a friend of Abraham Lincoln wanted to know his religious views, he said that he felt good when did something good, and felt bad when he did something bad, that was his religion. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th and greatest President of America. Today it has been more than 200 years since the birth of Abraham Lincoln, but whenever we talk about the Presidents of America, the name of Abraham Lincoln comes on top. Abraham Lincoln almost gave his life to save America from being dismembered in the civil war and for the unity of the country.

About Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born on 12 February 1809 in a wooden house in Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. His father's name was Thomas Lincoln and his mother's name was Nancy Lincoln. His parents came from England and later moved to New Jersey. Abraham Lincoln's family was very poor and he earned his livelihood by farming. Lincoln’s family was evicted from their land due to a land dispute and they were forced to leave the city.

In 1811, their family moved to Knob Creek Farm, they made that land fit for farming and started cultivating it. In 1816, the Abraham family settled in Indiana, where they cleared up forests and started farming. Even today, his form has been kept as a memorial. When Abraham was 9, his mother, Nancy, died. After this, his father married another woman named Sara. Abraham grew up, he wanted employment that yielded more profits through less work. He built a boat and started working as a boatman, which gave him good profits. After this, Abraham Lincoln started working as a manager in a store.

Education and Politics

Abraham Lincoln completed his law studies while working in this store. After some time he became the postmaster in the village, due to which people started knowing him and started respecting him. Then he thought of going into politics, keeping in view the troubles of the local people because at that time slavery was at its peak. 

Abraham Lincoln hated the atrocities on slaves since the beginning and wanted to abolish slavery. With this idea, he entered politics and contested the MLA, but he faced defeat in that election. On the other hand, while contesting elections, he had also left the post master's job, due to which he had a shortage of money. Everything in Abraham Lincoln's life was going against him. There was a time in his life when he was so depressed that he used to stay away from knives because he was afraid that he might kill himself. 

A friend of his at that time boosted his morale and drove him out of depression. Abraham Lincoln contested again with the help of his friend and this time he won the election. After this victory, he was counted amongst the youngest MLAs. He then inspired the youth and they became his ardent followers. Abraham Lincoln was now licensed to become a lawyer and then he met a famous lawyer. Both of them started working together but after some time his friend left him. Abraham Lincoln was also failing in advocacy because he did not take money to fight the cases of the poor. He practised for 20 years.

Struggles and Death

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln contested for the Presidency of the United States of America and eventually achieved the greatest success of his life by becoming the 16th President of the United States. After becoming the 16th President of America on November 6, 1860, Abraham did a lot of important works that have not only national but international importance as well. Abraham Lincoln's greatest achievement was the emergence of America from the Civil War. 

The credit for the abolition of slavery by amending the Constitution of America also goes to Abraham Lincoln. On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife were in Washington DC to watch a play in the Ford’s Theatre, where he was shot by a famous actor John Wilkes Booth and on the next day, on April 15, 1865, Abraham died.

FAQs on Abraham Lincoln Essay

1. Who was Abraham Lincoln?

We know Abraham Lincoln was America's most popular President ever. Abraham Lincoln was born on 12 February 1809 in a wooden house in Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. His father's name was Thomas Lincoln and his mother's name was Nancy Lincoln. He had played the most important role in ending slavery in America. He was the 16th and greatest President of America. Today it has been over 200 years since the birth of Abraham Lincoln, but whenever we talk about the President of America, the name of Abraham Lincoln comes on top.

2. How Did Abraham Lincoln Die?

On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife were in Washington DC to watch a play in Ford’s theatre. There he was shot by a famous actor John Wilkes Booth and on the next day, on 15 April 1865, Abraham died.

The Weapon that Killed a Hero: the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

This essay about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre in 1865 focuses on the significance of John Wilkes Booth’s choice of weapon, a .44 caliber Derringer pistol. It explores how the Derringer, with its compactness and deadly effectiveness at close range, symbolized the era’s technological advancements and societal norms. The essay delves into the aftermath of the assassination, highlighting the Derringer’s transition from a common firearm to a notorious symbol in American history. Ultimately, it reflects on the broader implications of Lincoln’s death, emphasizing the fragility of democracy and the profound impact of individual actions on history.

How it works

On the evening of April 14, 1865, in the intimate setting of Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., a single moment irreversibly altered the course of American history. John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer, stepped into the presidential box and fired the shot that would claim the life of Abraham Lincoln. The weapon he used, a .44 caliber Derringer pistol, was small in size but monumental in its impact, representing not merely the physical tool of assassination but also a symbol of a nation’s shattered hopes.

The Derringer pistol, favored for its compactness and ease of concealment, became infamous as the instrument that killed one of the United States’ most revered figures. Booth’s choice of weapon was no accident; the Derringer’s small frame allowed him to easily smuggle it into the theatre and approach Lincoln undetected. This single-shot pistol, though limited in firepower, was deadly effective at close range. On that fateful night, the simplicity of the Derringer’s design facilitated a moment of profound historical consequence.

The assassination of Lincoln was not merely a personal tragedy but a national disaster that occurred just days after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox, effectively ending the Civil War. Lincoln, who had steered the nation through its bloodiest conflict and had begun to lay down the vision for reconciliation and reconstruction, was viewed by many as a beacon of hope and moral leadership. His sudden death threw the country into uncertainty and mourning, and marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in American reconstruction.

Booth’s use of the Derringer speaks volumes about the era’s technological advancements and societal norms. The mid-19th century was a period of significant innovation in firearms, with weapons becoming increasingly efficient and accessible. However, the ease with which Booth procured and wielded his weapon also highlights the darker aspects of these advancements: the growing availability of lethal technology to private citizens and the dire implications this had for public figures.

The aftermath of the assassination saw the Derringer pistol transition from a common personal defense weapon to a notorious symbol in American history. The firearm’s role in the assassination has been meticulously analyzed by historians and collectors alike, symbolizing the deadly intersection of celebrity, politics, and personal conviction. As a relic, it is housed at the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, a grim reminder of the night that changed America.

In reflecting on the assassination, it becomes clear that the story of John Wilkes Booth and his Derringer is more than a simple tale of murderer and murder weapon. It is a complex narrative entwined with the larger tapestry of a nation struggling to define its identity in the aftermath of war. The pistol embodies the paradox of a society driving forward in technological sophistication while grappling with the ethical and moral quandaries such progress often entails.

Today, the legacy of Lincoln’s assassination continues to resonate, reminding us of the fragility of democracy and the profound impact that individual actions can have on history. The Derringer pistol, a small but potent artifact, serves as a tangible connection to that pivotal moment, urging us to remember the costs of conflict and the price of peace. As we look back at that historic evening, we are reminded of the power held in the hands of those who shape history—power that can be wielded for both great good and grave harm. The weapon that killed a hero on that April night did more than end a presidency; it forever changed the trajectory of a nation.

Cite this page

The Weapon that Killed a Hero: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-weapon-that-killed-a-hero-the-assassination-of-abraham-lincoln/

"The Weapon that Killed a Hero: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln." PapersOwl.com , 29 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-weapon-that-killed-a-hero-the-assassination-of-abraham-lincoln/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Weapon that Killed a Hero: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-weapon-that-killed-a-hero-the-assassination-of-abraham-lincoln/ [Accessed: 1 May. 2024]

"The Weapon that Killed a Hero: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln." PapersOwl.com, Apr 29, 2024. Accessed May 1, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-weapon-that-killed-a-hero-the-assassination-of-abraham-lincoln/

"The Weapon that Killed a Hero: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln," PapersOwl.com , 29-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-weapon-that-killed-a-hero-the-assassination-of-abraham-lincoln/. [Accessed: 1-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Weapon that Killed a Hero: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-weapon-that-killed-a-hero-the-assassination-of-abraham-lincoln/ [Accessed: 1-May-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essay Examples >
• Essays Topics >
• Essay on Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address: A Rhetorical Analysis Argumentative Essays Examples

Type of paper: Argumentative Essay

Topic: Lincoln , Rhetoric , Speech , War , Politics , Public Relations , Audience , Appeal

Words: 1400

Published: 11/30/2022

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

Abraham Lincoln delivered the second inaugural address on March 4, 1865. At this time, the country was torn by years of devastating war, however the forces of the North were nearing the victory over the Confederates. Lincoln had to take into account these circumstances when addressing the nation. And he certainly did that, as a detailed analysis of his speech suggests. Lincoln’s second inaugural address involves the effective use of rhetorical appeals and rhetorical devices as well as addresses the specifics of the audience, place, and time, which makes it an efficient political speech. The audience of this speech was very miscellaneous. It consisted of people of different walks of life – Lincoln's fellow politicians as well as common people. The public who listened to Lincoln's second inaugural address were tired by the prolonged war and, quite possibly, were seeking answers as to the causes and consequences of this war. The Civil War was an extremely destructive event both in terms of material goods and in terms of the spirit of the divided nation, hence the people whom Lincoln was about to govern and guide for the second time expected their President to give them answers and restore the ruins of the Union. It is clear that Lincoln's second inaugural address responds well the circumstances under which it was delivered. The ethos component of Lincoln’s second inaugural address is well-thought and well-presented. First and foremost, the speaker seeks to establish his credibility by referring to his first term as President. He starts the speech by emphasizing that this is his second inaugural address and that the first was delivered under very different circumstances: “At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first” (Lincoln). Thus, Lincoln demonstrates the explicit connection between him and the years preceding his taking the oath for the second time. This is a very important move because it makes him a credible source of information regarding the political situation in the country. Lincoln's second inaugural address is a logically constructed speech. The speaker has one line of development of thought and he does not deviate from it in the course of the entire speech. Lincoln starts with establishing his credibility as President and bringing the audience back to the same place four years ago when the conflict between the North and the South was only rising. Afterward, the speaker invites the audience to reflect upon the course which this conflict took during the last four years. The speech touches upon the causes of the war, the cornerstone of the disagreement between the North and the South, the way which the war progressed and the way it should be finished. Lincoln's call for action to restore the nation in the end of the speech follows logically from the preceding remarks. Like any well-crafted political speech, Lincoln's second inaugural address extensively appeals to emotions. Finding themselves amidst the ruins of the Civil War, Americans were expected their President to give them inspiration to carry on despite problems and hardships. Lincoln implicitly addresses this longing in his speech. First and foremost, he appeals to the sentiment of patriotism. In the introduction, the speaker states: “The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all” (Lincoln). Another sentiment to which Lincoln appeals is the opposition between good “us” and bad “them”. Given the circumstances, the speech is almost entirely built on the antagonism between the North and the South with the former trying to preserve the Union and the latter trying to destroy it. The following example clearly illustrates this point: “Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came” (Lincoln). Yet, Lincoln knew better than to vulgarly exploit the glittering expectation of the nearing military triumph. The speaker concludes his address with the call for standing tall to the challenges which are yet to be faced, not for celebrating the victory of their arms and their way of life over that of the South: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds” (Lincoln). It is worth noticing that, despite the fact that Lincoln's speech appeals to emotions of the audience extensively, those appeals are subtle and wrapped in well-crafted eloquent metaphors rather than call out explicitly. The use of paradox and opposition is frequent in the analyzed speech. This technique allowed Lincoln to emphasize that nothing about the political situation at the time the speech was delivered was cut-and-dried. For example, Lincoln describes the belligerent sides in the Civil War in the following way: “The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully”(Lincoln). Thus, even though at that point it was quite clear that the South was going to be defeated, Lincoln rejects conceited rejoicing regarding the near victory and emphasizes that neither of the sides is truly victorious because many lives were lost and a lot of destruction was caused by the war which could have been avoided. Yet, Lincoln does not regret this war. The use of opposition and paradox allows him to make his indignation regarding the South less aggressive, but certainly not less determined. Due to this technique, Lincoln's speech has a profound impact of the audience: the listeners are told about a paradoxical situation where neither of the parties wants the war, but they end up in the war anyway. One of the most notable features of the speech in question is the extensive use of Biblical allusions. Considering that the speech was delivered in the middle of the nineteenth century, one should take into account that religion, namely Christianity, played a very important role in people's lives. The most striking effect of the references to religion lies in the emphasis of the same religious affiliation of both belligerents in the Civil War: “Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other” (Lincoln). The warring sides were in fact united by the powerful factor of religion, but even this trait in common could not prevent the destructive and abhorrent conflict which the Civil War was. Yet, Lincoln adduces the Bible to justify the position of the North with regard to slavery. Any speech is hardly good and effective without figurative language. This technique allows to influence the audience not only with the literal meaning of the used vocabulary, but also with associations and connotations which words inevitably bear. Lincoln's second inaugural address makes a good use of metaphors in order to support the antithesis of the North and the South. The following metaphor is a fine example of figurative language in Lincoln's speech: “until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword” (Lincoln). It makes use of the pre-existing idiom “to the last drop of blood” and places it in the context of the fight for justice and against slavery. Blood is closely associated with life, hence by using this metaphor Lincoln makes it clear that slavery draws life from the nation as does the war. Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address has been long recognized as a masterpiece of political speech. The speaker effectively employs the appeals to logos pathos and ethos as well as makes use of various rhetorical devices to deliver an effective speech. It is also clear that this piece is crafted with taking into account its audience and the external circumstances of its delivery.

Works Cited

Lincoln, Abraham. Second Inaugural Address. March 4, 1865. Web. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/lincoln2.asp

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1880

This paper is created by writer with

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Homer argumentative essays, character argumentative essays, colony argumentative essays, attack argumentative essays, writing argumentative essays, iraq argumentative essays, theory argumentative essays, health care research proposals, assurance course work, spread course work, wage course work, host course work, operator course work, air course work, cutting course work, probability course work, psychologist course work, fraud course work, sentence course work, cyborgs essays, social darwinism essays, upton sinclair essays, anne of green gables essays, junot diaz essays, sinclair lewis essays, toxic masculinity essays, trayvon martin essays, sharon olds essays, tom clancy essays, northern lights essays, henry james essays, portrayal essays, benefits and compensations case study, benefits of community policing research paper, outsourcing course work, management accounting essay, kidney function and alcohol essay, report on quality assurance, sexuality in breakfast at tiffanys research paper, example of essay on contrasting, example of education english as a second language education for adults literature review, essay on legal immigration and increase economy in the us, free essay on 4th amendment.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — Abraham Lincoln — The Challenges Of Abraham Lincoln

The Challenges of Abraham Lincoln

• Categories: Abraham Lincoln American History

About this sample

Words: 887 |

Published: Mar 5, 2024

Words: 887 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Karlyna PhD

Verified writer

• Expert in: Government & Politics History

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1217 words

2 pages / 762 words

2 pages / 872 words

3 pages / 1243 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Abraham Lincoln

A Leader is a person who has the command to direct and leads in a certain field. As stated by Professor Warren G. Bennis, “Leaders are people who do the right thing; managers are people who do things right”. Leaders are the ones [...]

A. "O Captain! My Captain!" is a renowned poem written by Walt Whitman that pays tribute to President Abraham Lincoln after his assassination. The poem has captured the hearts of many with its poignant portrayal of loss and [...]

Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, two of the most iconic presidents in American history, shared several remarkable similarities despite their different times and backgrounds. This essay will explore the parallels between [...]

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, stands as one of the most significant documents in American history. This landmark executive order declared the freedom of enslaved people in [...]

Abraham Lincoln, often regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history, is a figure whose legacy continues to captivate and inspire generations. From his humble beginnings to his leadership during the Civil War, [...]

In his Gettysburg address, Abraham Lincoln does a great job by expressing a lot of information about saving the country. He also points out what those who died were fighting for during his speech. Pericles talks more about the [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free