Abraham Lincoln's journey to the presidency was marked by his steadfast commitment to the principles of liberty and equality. From his early political career in Illinois to his election as the first Republican
president, Lincoln's rise was fueled by his opposition to the expansion of slavery and his dedication to preserving the Union.
Early Political Career in Illinois
Lincoln's political career began in Illinois, where he served four terms in the Illinois House of Representatives for Sangamon County. As a member of the Whig Party, Lincoln championed economic modernization, including the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the expansion of suffrage beyond white landowners.
In 1843, Lincoln sought the Whig nomination for Illinois's 7th district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Although he initially lost the nomination, he gained the seat in 1846 and served a single term. During his time in Congress, Lincoln spoke against the Mexican-American War and supported the Wilmot Proviso, which aimed to ban slavery in any U.S. territory won from Mexico.
Opposition to Slavery and the Kansas-Nebraska Act
Lincoln's political career was deeply influenced by his opposition to the expansion of slavery. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, proposed by Illinois Senator Stephen A. Douglas, allowed territories to decide the status of slavery through popular sovereignty. This alarmed many Northerners, including Lincoln, who feared the spread of slavery.
Lincoln's Peoria Speech of October 1854 marked his return to political life, as he declared his opposition to slavery and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. He argued that the act threatened the values of republicanism and distorted the premise that all men are created equal. Lincoln's attacks on the act helped him gain national attention and solidified his position as a leader in the emerging Republican Party.
The 1860 Presidential Election
Lincoln's opposition to the expansion of slavery and his commitment to preserving the Union led to his nomination as the Republican candidate for president in 1860. The Republican platform opposed the extension of slavery into the territories and endorsed economic modernization.
Lincoln's election was met with resistance from Southern states, leading to the secession of several states and the formation of the Confederate States of America. Despite the challenges, Lincoln remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving the Union and ultimately led the nation through the Civil War.
Lincoln's political rise was characterized by his unwavering dedication to the principles of liberty and equality. His leadership during a tumultuous period in American history laid the groundwork for the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union.
