Author: Brogen Jensen
Introduction: A Legacy Built on Principle
Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest American presidents—and for good reason. From his moral clarity to his unmatched leadership during the Civil War, Lincoln’s achievements continue to influence the United States more than 150 years after his death. The best things Abraham Lincoln did weren’t only monumental in their time but have become defining moments in American history.
Preserving the Union
Perhaps the most vital thing Lincoln accomplished was preserving the Union. When he assumed office in 1861, the country was on the brink of collapse. Eleven Southern states had seceded from the Union, and civil war erupted. While many presidents might have sought compromise or appeasement, Lincoln remained steadfast.
He believed the Union was worth saving at all costs and led the North through four grueling years of war. His firm leadership and ability to inspire loyalty were instrumental in turning the tide of battle. Without his resolve, the United States might not exist as a single nation today.
Ending Slavery
One of the most celebrated actions Lincoln took was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. While it didn’t immediately free all enslaved people, it transformed the Civil War from a political struggle into a moral crusade. It also allowed formerly enslaved men to join the Union Army, shifting the balance of the war.
Later, Lincoln pushed for and signed the 13th Amendment, which permanently abolished slavery in the United States. This act alone would rank among the most significant in American history, cementing his legacy as the Great Emancipator.
Delivering the Gettysburg Address
Another highlight among the best things Abraham Lincoln did was deliver the Gettysburg Address in 1863. In just 272 words, he redefined the American ideal of democracy. He reminded the nation that it was “conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
This speech not only honored the fallen but also reimagined what the United States stood for. It remains one of the most quoted and revered speeches in the English language.
Modernizing America
Lincoln’s impact wasn’t limited to war and freedom. He also helped reshape the American economy and infrastructure. Through the Morrill Land-Grant Act, he made higher education accessible to millions by establishing land-grant colleges.
He also signed the Pacific Railway Act, which led to the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad—linking the country from coast to coast. These policies paved the way for American growth and innovation.
An Enduring Example
To this day, Abraham Lincoln remains a symbol of honesty, wisdom, and justice. His leadership style, based on principle and empathy, is studied by politicians, scholars, and students around the world.
Whether it was guiding the nation through civil war, abolishing slavery, or redefining freedom, the best things Abraham Lincoln did have left a lasting imprint on the fabric of America.
The greatness of Abraham Lincoln didn’t lie in his ambition or power—it rested in his character. His ability to steer the country through its darkest hour, while laying the groundwork for a more equitable society, ranks him among the most significant figures in world history. When we think of the best things Abraham Lincoln did, we remember not only a president, but a visionary who changed the course of a nation.
