Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence

Abraham Lincoln was and will continue to be one of America’s most respected Presidents who fought hard to maintain the American union during the Civil War and also abolished slavery in the country with the emancipation proclamation. Abraham Lincoln, whose life began under humble conditions in Kentucky, was sensitive to slavery right from his early days. He did not receive any formal education and could only learn some basic education from his mother. However, his parents had instilled the thought that anyone who worked hard could survive which provided the inspiration for all his endeavors. Lincoln learned through his experiences while working on a farm, splitting rails for fences and store-keeping at Illinois. He partook as a captain in the Black Hawk war which was fought between the Indian tribes and native white settlers during their westward expansion. His political career began with his appointment to the Illinois state legislature and later gaining an admission to the Illinois bar. This was soon followed by his marriage to Mary Todd and his subsequent election to the U. S. House of Representatives. They had four boys but tragedy struck and three of their children succumbed to illnesses and one son worked as an attorney and served as the President of Pullman Company. Despite many success as an attorney and several personal sorrows, Lincoln rose again with sheer determination to be nominated as the President of the Republican party in 1860 and went on to become President in the year 1861. His strong belief in equality among the citizens and the need for a successful democratic union assured him the presidency. This was soon followed by the civil war that attacked the Constitution of the United States. The northern and southern regions of the country were divided on the issue of slavery and as a result many southern states which supported slavery pulled out from the Union and formed a separate Confederate of States. However, President Lincoln assured the people that his primary responsibility was to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and that this would be the war’s primary motive. He undertook every possible measure at war time to preserve the Union and the victories gained in the battles provided the impetus for issuing the emancipation proclamation through which Lincoln freed all the slaves who sustained the war of the confederate. At the end of the war, Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg address wherein he upheld that the war paved the way for a new birth of freedom that would provide every individual their right to equality, freedom and citizenship. He also stressed that the people who fought and perished in the war did so for a great cause. During the reconstruction period following the war Lincoln showed enormous strength and flexibility to the citizens and when his continuation for a second-term as President was confirmed Lincoln encouraged the southern states to accept the emancipation proclamation and reunite with the union. Lincoln’s character and principles was vivid in his speech some of which are now inscribed in his memorial at Washington. His words echoed strong sentiments for his people, nation and his belief in equality to all and in righteousness. He was definitely a truly inspiring personality both personally and professionally as despite his sorrows he strived valiantly to keep the nation and its people together. However, his dreams of a guiding the country through more successes as President was short-lived as he unfortunately succumbed to an assassination and thus became a martyr. However his mission and dreams for a united America where all people lived with equal freedom and respect was taken forward by those who later became presidents and amended the constitution and federal legislations for the benefit of all American people. His body now rests at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Illinois along with his wife and three sons. Thus Abraham Lincoln will continue to remain a revered historical figure who overcame many hardships in life to become the country’s most illustrious Presidents through his achievements in abolishing slavery and reunification of the states.