Many historians debate which of our American presidents was the best. That at various times in our history we have been blessed with very talented men. We have seen great men occupy the office of the president Indeed, our first president, George Washington, was a man of integrity and honor. Our future presidents would follow the standard. Theodore Roosevelt, as our President, would lead the American nation into the 20th century. His famous phrase, “speak softly and carry a big staff,” helps shape our attitude toward the rest of the world. cousin of Theodore Franklin Delano Roosevelt also helps shape the American presidency. He will serve longer in the presidency than any other person, and he has been involved in the greatest challenges. He dealt with the personal crisis of crippling polio. It also led Americans through the great economic disasters of the depression of the 1930s and the military conflict of World War II. the greatest war against mortals.
But I suggest that Abraham Lincoln is the most outstanding president of America. It was absolutely necessary to preserve the union when Civil War was imminent. He assumed the role of president at a time unlike any in our history. Rather than accept him as President of the United States, eleven states chose to leave the union. Many Northerners believed that loyalty was perfectly legal and resented the President’s action against the Confederacy. Peace Democrats or “Copperheads” spoke out against Lincoln’s action against the South. Former Civil War General, George B. McClellan President Lincoln in the elections of 1864. McClellan’s plan was simply to leave the South separate. If McClellan had won, we would have seen the two separated rather than one.
Lincoln would stand. In his Gettysburg Address, he explained to the nation why we should be involved in the war. He famously and eloquently teaches why war should be waged, why one should sacrifice one’s own people. He explained that our nation is unique and must be preserved. President Lincoln could easily have chosen an easier path. He could call the South and the new nation the United States of America. He was able to receive the two separated nations and avoid conflict. But he waged an infamous war that claimed more than 600,000 lives by the end of April 1865. President Lincoln gave his life and sacrificed for American citizens to preserve our nation. All in all, he was a great president George Washington. Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt were also great presidents, but Abraham Lincoln paid the ultimate price. He gave his life for our freedom.
