Abraham Lincoln's Political Savvy Summary

Summary of Lincoln’s Political Savvy Abraham Lincoln was able to overcome many personal hardships in his lifetime. Through Lincoln’s undying ambition, and his personal and endearing qualities, he was able to achieve notable success. Part of Lincoln’s political genius was in his ability to form friendships with his rivals who ultimately opposed him, and his exceptional personal qualities. Those things eventually lead Lincoln to one of the most famous and successful presidencies. By looking at the lives of his friends and colleagues, we are able to attain a better understanding of Lincoln and his political genius. A monument was dedicated to Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C., honoring his name. It was assembled by African Americans. A former
Edward Bates, Salmon P. Chase, and William H. Seward were Abraham Lincoln’s main rivals in the republican presidential nomination. These men, along with Lincoln, all followed the same thoroughfare in their lives. All of these men were lawyers, outstanding public speakers, involved in politics, and against slavery. Many people during this time were looking for a new opportunity and experiences. By looking at Lincoln’s companions, we can more clearly paint a picture of Abraham Lincoln. He had a fruitless childhood with relatively little education. Lincoln also suffered a complicated marriage and his thoughts about death can be further understood when he is placed beside his peers. When news spread of Lincoln’s victory in the nomination, his rivals believed that the wrong person was chosen for the position. Lincoln’s name was not recognized on a national level. He seemed to come from nowhere, had lost two contests for the Senate and also served one mediocre term in the House of Representatives, and his name was known only from a local reputation. Yet, Lincoln still prevailed and won the presidency. The reason behind Lincoln winning the nomination lies within his personal qualities and an undying initiative that threw his rivals off