Abraham Lincoln: Our Greatest President

Many historians debate which of our American Presidents was best. The fact is we have been blessed with very talented men at various times in our history. We have seen great men occupy the office of President. Certainly George Washington, our first President was a man of integrity and honor. He set the standard our future Presidents would follow. Theodore Roosevelt, as our President would bring the American nation into the twentieth century. His famous phrase, “speak softly and carry a big stick” helped shape our attitude toward the rest of the world. Theodore’s cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt would also help shape the American Presidency. He would serve longer in the Presidency than any other man and he was faced with enormous challenges. He dealt with his personal crisis of being crippled by polio. He also guided Americans through the great catastrophies of economic depression of the 1930’s and the military conflict of World War II, the most massive war in the history of mankind.

However, I would suggest that Abraham Lincoln is America’s greatest President. He was squarely focused on the need to preserve the union when it was threatened by Civil War. He assumed the office of President during a time which was unlike any other in our history. Rather than accept him as the President of the United States, eleven states chose to depart from the union. Many northerners believed that was perfectly legal and they resented the President’s action against the Confederacy. Peace Democrats or “Copperheads” spoke out against Lincoln’s action against the south. A former Civil War General, George B. McClellan would oppose President Lincoln in the election of 1864. McClellan’s plan was simply to let the south go their separate way. Had McClellan won, we would see two separate nations rather than one.

Lincoln would stand fast. He explained to the nation during his speech that came to be called the Gettysburgh address excactly why we were engaged in war. He was a brilliant statesman and he eloquently informed the people why the war had to be fought and why their loved ones had to be sacrificed. He explained that our nation was unique and must be preserved. President Lincoln could have easily chosen an easier path. He could have ignored the south and their new nation called the Confederate States of America. He could have accepted two separate nations and avoided conflict. Instead, he waged an unpopular war which would take more than 600,000 lives including in April 1865, his own. President Lincoln gave his life and he sacrificed his fellow Americans so that our nation would be preserved. Absolutely George Washington was a great President. Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt also were great Presidents but Abraham Lincoln paid the ultimate price. He gave his life for our freedom.