We wish all our presidents were great men. However, it is not easy to handle the immense responsibility of being the President of the United States. The concept of citizen leadership is one of the most striking and remarkable aspects of American government. It is the idea that an ordinary citizen can rise up and become president for a time before returning to their private lives.
However, of the few men who have held the office, only a handful have been remembered for their outstanding achievements and leadership during a time when the country was changing forever. Abraham Lincoln was one of these great presidents. Lincoln was responsible for handling an internal civil war more complex than any other president. This dispute could have tore the country in two and started a rupturing that could lead to dozens of weak independent states rather than the powerful nation that is America today.
Lincoln’s leadership, commitment to values and strong moral fiber were what made it possible for America through the war and to start the healing process that would lead to nation unity again. Lincoln’s service between 1860 and his death was a difficult one. He would have been hailed as a great American if he had only dealt with the southern attempt to break away from the union, and his ability keep these states as part the American national territory.
Lincoln’s use of talent from opposing political parties in his leadership style was a key advantage in the organization and management of his presidency. Lincoln believed that his presidency could not be isolated from the American people by having close advisors from opposing views. Lincoln was able to gather members of the “loyal Opposition” into his trusted inner circle and was able to see both sides of every issue, which made him a stronger leader.
However, that isn’t his greatest achievement or the one we will always remember him for. His unwavering opposition to slavery was without doubt his greatest contribution to American history and to world history. Lincoln stood firm against popular belief that he would end slavery, and was prepared to risk everything to do so.
It was not an easy stand. Civil war was the most bloody and costly in American history. All casualties were on both sides. It would take decades to repair the terrible ravages caused by that war. This schism between the north and south lasted for decades and continues to be a part our national identity in this country.
Lincoln desired that the end result would be his legacy. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which made the end of slavery permanent. He then passed the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, which made permanent freedoms that had been fought for and won in Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln is forever etched in all Americans’ minds and hearts as one of the greatest presidents. It is no surprise that the Washington monument to Lincoln, located on Washington’s national Mall, is one of America’s most revered places. Thousands flock there each year to pay respect to this great president who made freedom and liberty a reality for all Americans and not just for a few. His face is well-deserved on Mount Rushmore, as the mountain proclaims, “This is one of our greatest leaders in the history”
