Abraham Lincoln Essay

Abraham Lincoln, a sectional candidate whose election led to secession of the south, succeeded in restoring the Union and laying a strong foundation for its future greatness. Both Lincoln’s military policies and his domestic programs helped to make him one of the most effective presidents in American history. In 1860, as Abraham Lincoln was elected president, many acts and tariffs, such as the Homestead Act, Morrill Land Grant Act, National Bank Act, and Protective tariffs were put into effect to enact the nationalistic economic program. These programs supported the settlement in the westward region, used land grants to finance for public education, and established a national banking system with a stable currency. There were also protective tariffs that supported Northern industry and trade with other countries. By doing this, Lincoln proved his loyalty and commitment to making the United States one nation. During the Civil War, Lincoln once again proved his proficiency in planning and administrating a Union victory. Lincoln, in 1863, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all slaves free in rebellious territories. When the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, the number of black men in the Union army increased, which meant a bigger army for the North. By Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, the Union army had a bigger advantage because of the increase of blacks in the army. Lincoln’s choice of army leaders allowed him to plan for settlement in the West. One of Lincoln’s generals was Ulysses S. Grant. The troops under the control of Grant were very successful. Under the command of Grant, troops forced the Confederate troops out of Kentucky and Western Tennessee. He also moved along the Tennessee River to Shiloh, where his army forced the Confederate troops to withdraw. The union army then controlled many rail centers and the Mississippi River down to Memphis. His ability to choose a successful general to lead the soldiers, decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, and his creative planning to enact the acts and tariffs made Abraham Lincoln a very triumphant president whose legacy, of restoring the Union and making the United States a better country for the future, will always be remembered.