Abraham Lincoln – This name continues to be counted among the most inspiring and great leaders in the world today. Born into a poor farming family, Lincoln, through his b resolve, just thinking, and struggles for humanity, taught not only America but the entire world how to bring about major changes in society while walking on the path of courage and truth, even in difficult circumstances.
Childhood and the Beginning of Struggles
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a poor family in the state of Kentucky, USA. His parents lived a very ordinary life, and Lincoln faced a lot of poverty and difficulties in his childhood. When he was only 9 years old, his mother passed away, which made his life even more difficult. He did not get a proper chance to go to school, but he studied hard on his own and gained knowledge from books. Lincoln's childhood teaches us that if there is a passion to achieve something in your mind, then no difficulty can become an obstacle in the way.
Self-Reliance and Passion for Education
Abraham Lincoln's life teaches us that if we have self-confidence and a desire to study, then no destination is far away. He was poor, but he didn't give up. He used to borrow books and read late into the night in the light of a chimney. He understood the difficult books of law by reading them himself and became a lawyer without any help. This hard work and habit of learning earned him respect as the 'Prairie Lawyer'.
The Journey from Law to Politics
While working as a lawyer, Abraham Lincoln started taking interest in politics. He first worked as a representative in the Illinois State Assembly and then was also elected to the US Congress (House of Representatives). Initially, he was associated with the Whig Party, but when slavery became a major issue in the country, he decided to bring about change in society by becoming a part of the Republican Party. Abolishing slavery and leading society towards equality became his main objectives.
Voice Against Slavery and Becoming President
Slavery was a common practice in America at that time, but Lincoln opposed it. He participated in famous debates with Stephen Douglas in 1858 and won the hearts of the people with his views against slavery. After this, in 1860, he was elected as the 16th President of America. His becoming President made the Southern states fear that slavery would end, and this fear plunged America into the fire of the Civil War.
American Civil War and Lincoln's Leadership
In 1861, the Civil War broke out in America, in which Lincoln not only united the federal states but also justified the war from a moral point of view. He took historic steps towards abolishing slavery. On January 1, 1863, he issued the ‘Emancipation Proclamation’, in which he declared all slaves free in the rebel states. This step was the most important moment for human rights in the history of America.
Gettysburg Address and New Thinking
On November 19, 1863, Lincoln delivered the famous ‘Gettysburg Address’, which is still seen as a great definition of democracy – 'government of the people, by the people, for the people'. This speech became an inspiration not only for that time, but also for future generations. Lincoln showed that true leadership is not just ruling by being in power, but giving a new direction to society by connecting with the souls of the people.
An End That Became the Beginning of Immortality
On April 14, 1865, just a few days after the Civil War ended, when Lincoln went to see a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C., a right-wing actor, John Wilkes Booth, assassinated him. He took his last breath on April 15. This event was a deep shock not only for America but for the whole world. But his ideology, his principles, and his legacy are still alive today.
A Legacy That Still Inspires
Abraham Lincoln is not only considered the most popular president of America, but he is also counted among the most just, compassionate, and visionary leaders in world history. He taught through his life that:
- Leadership is not just a position, but a responsibility.
- True democracy is based on equality and justice.
- Education, hard work, and morality can make any person great.
Abraham Lincoln's life is an inspiration for all of us – especially for those who are surrounded by difficulties, who have lost courage, or who feel that they lack resources. Lincoln showed that if you have truth, service, and courage within you, you can change not only yourself but the whole of society.
