Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War

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History Makes a Man:

Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War—I like your title. It reveals topic and stance easil

        History makes us who we are, and, in turn, who we are makes history.  Abraham Lincoln revealed the greatness of a simple man with deep conviction to country, truth, and God.  In the midst of turbulent times Lincoln made history, and living that history made him the man we now know.

        In reading of the Civil War my eyes were open to an interesting point of view on life and people. In the text American Literature Volume 1 by William E. Crane, I have read about a part of history that was new to me: slavery, battles, the treatment of humans and the trials of leadership. They are familiar themes that run deep in our society today, yet reading about them has made them vividly apparent and fresh.  To be in leadership in the 1800s would have been a daunting task.  Being a leader in any time period is daunting, yet, in a time when brother is fighting brother and ideals and treatment of other humans is in question and threatens to divide a nation--that is daunting.  In 1809 a man is born who will lead the union and the nation into a stable and consistent existence. That man was Lincoln.

        Lincoln, one of many boys born in 1809 would rise to leadership with little education, an idea unheard of today.  Lincoln would become the man who would make history.  In reading about Lincoln I couldn’t help but think, “This man didn’t go to school but one year, taught himself all he knows and led the country through such a deep time. How is that?” After reading several quotes about Lincoln, it became apparent.  Lincoln was a man of God, he trusted in God and relied on Him in all he did.  According to Isaac Arnold in Lincoln and Douglas as Lawyers, , “Lincoln was more familiar with the Bible than with any other book in the language, and this was apparent, both from his style of his illustrations, so often taken from that book.  He verified the maxim that it is better to know thoroughly a few good books than to read many” (Internet).  A similarity in many of Lincoln’s speeches is his reference to God.  In his farewell address to the people of Springfield, Illinois on February 11 of 1961, as Lincoln starts his inaugural journey he states:

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Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail.  Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.  To His care and commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell. (Internet)

Lincoln started his presidential journey correctly.  With God as his focus and guide he felt and knew he could succeed.  The path ahead was long and tiring yet Lincoln walked it ...

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