Abraham Lincoln won the presidential elections in 1960 without the support of the southern state and became the 16^th president of the US. His actions led to the prosecution of the civil war in America. Additionally, Lincoln played a critical role in the passage of the 13^thAmendment which resulted in the abolishment of slavery making him one of the best presidents in history. This paper discusses Abraham Lincoln’s impact on US history and why he is the best president before 1940.

At the time Lincoln took over, the Victory Union was already divided due to the civil war. Lincoln’s election, therefore, increased the rift between the southern and northern states since he was advocating the abolishment of slavery. Lincoln ran on a political platform opposing the expansion of slavery in the states. He, however, fought the civil war and later united the southern and northern states which differed on the issue of slavery. As commander-in-chief, Lincoln suspended the right to habeas corpus which is constitutionally protected in the state of Maryland to suppress Confederate sympathizers in an attempt to stop the civil war (McCrary 52). Consequently, Lincoln was assassinated for his firm stands becoming the first president to be assassinated.

After making the Emancipation Proclamation, the senate-house failed to pass the amendment.  However, Lincoln took upon himself to ensure bill passed through House. Besides, Lincoln persisted on the inclusion of the13th amendment to the Republican Party floor for the approaching elections brought the last constitutional solution to the problem (Goethals and Scott 111). The amendment was later approved in 1865 making slavery illegal in all the states in the nation. Therefore, African Americans could then own property since they had their freedom. Abolishment of slavery was a significant occurrence in the US history making Lincoln a significant figure in history.

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln is considered the best president before 1940 due to his impact on US history. Lincoln made the 13^th amendment to the US constitution, following the Civil War making slavery illegal in all states. Besides, he unified the country to end the civil war which was widespread between the southern and the northern states.

Works Cited

Goethals, George R., and Scott T. Allison. “Kings and charisma, Lincoln and leadership: An evolutionary perspective.” Conceptions of leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2014. 111-124.

McCrary, Peyton. Abraham Lincoln and Reconstruction: The Louisiana Experiment. Vol. 1407. Princeton University Press, 2015.