Biography of Abraham Lincoln for Kids: Meet the American President for Kids - FreeSchool

Summary

This video explores the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Born in 1809, Lincoln rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in American history, known for his leadership during the Civil War and his fight to end slavery. His efforts led to the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Tragically, Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, shortly after the war ended. Remembered as one of the greatest presidents, his image graces coins, bills, and monuments, including the famous Lincoln Memorial.

Takeaways

• 😀 Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Kentucky, and grew up in poverty in a one-room log cabin.
• 😀 Despite limited formal education, Lincoln taught himself through books and became an avid learner.
• 😀 Lincoln earned the nickname 'Honest Abe' after returning money to a customer who had overpaid by a few pennies.
• 😀 Lincoln's first political attempt in 1832 to join the Illinois State Legislature ended in a loss.
• 😀 Lincoln served as a Captain in the Army, became a lawyer, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1846.
• 😀 In 1860, Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States during a time of deep division over slavery.
• 😀 Lincoln was supported by Northern states but had almost no support from the Southern states during his presidential election.
• 😀 As President, Lincoln worked to preserve the Union as Southern states began seceding, leading to the start of the Civil War in 1861.
• 😀 The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Lincoln on January 1, 1863, freed slaves in the Southern states.
• 😀 Lincoln played a key role in passing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which made slavery illegal throughout the U.S.
• 😀 Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, just days after the Civil War ended, and died the following morning.
• 😀 Lincoln is remembered as one of the greatest American presidents for his leadership during the Civil War and his defense of human liberty.

Q & A

When and where was Abraham Lincoln born?

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Kentucky.

How did Abraham Lincoln's early life influence his education?

Lincoln's family was very poor, and he only attended school for one year. However, he loved books and taught himself as much as he could.

What is the origin of Abraham Lincoln's nickname 'Honest Abe'?

Abraham Lincoln earned the nickname 'Honest Abe' when he worked at a general store. One night, after a customer overpaid by a few pennies, Lincoln walked for miles to return the money.

What significant event did Abraham Lincoln take part in during 1832?

In 1832, Lincoln ran for a position in the Illinois State Legislature but lost the election.

What role did Abraham Lincoln play during the Civil War?

Abraham Lincoln was determined to preserve the Union during the Civil War, and he led the country through this challenging and bloody conflict, which lasted four years.

What was the Emancipation Proclamation, and when did Lincoln sign it?

The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, freed all slaves in the southern states.

How did the 13th Amendment relate to Lincoln's views on slavery?

The 13th Amendment, which Lincoln helped to pass, made slavery illegal throughout the United States.

What happened shortly after the end of the Civil War in April 1865?

Just days after the Civil War ended, on April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at the Ford Theater in Washington, D.C.

What was Abraham Lincoln's vision for the country after the Civil War?

Lincoln wanted to help the country heal and rebuild, especially the South, after the Civil War, though he did not live to see this vision fulfilled.

How is Abraham Lincoln remembered today?

Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of America's greatest presidents. His face appears on pennies and five-dollar bills, and he is honored with a memorial in Washington, D.C. He is also featured on Mount Rushmore.