Summary
Abraham Lincoln was just the 16th President of the United States, but more than 150 years after his death, he's still considered one of the best. Born into poverty in a log cabin in Illinois, Lincoln started his career as a lawyer, before serving in the state legislature, and then the House of Representatives. From the beginning of his political career, he opposed the expansion of slavery into new American territories. He lost his race for Senate, but his performance in the debates with his opponent, Stephen Douglas, made him a national figure. He helped establish the new, anti-slavery Republican Party, and ran as their presidential candidate in 1860. He faced off against Douglas again—but this time he won. Before he even took office, seven southern states seceded, fearing Lincoln would abolish slavery. Lincoln guided the country through the Civil War that followed, and helped pass a constitutional amendment to end slavery for good. He was assassinated in 1865, not long after the war ended. Press "play" to find out more about why Lincoln's face is on Mount Rushmore!
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Abraham Lincoln:
- What is one new thing you learned about abraham lincoln?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining abraham lincoln.
- Draw or give one example of your own.