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Abraham Lincoln Becomes President — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4

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This engaging U.S. history reading passage introduces students to the story of Abraham Lincoln’s rise to the presidency. Through a clear, chronological narrative, students learn about Lincoln’s early life, the key events leading to his election in 1860, and how his leadership helped guide the United States through a time of great division. The passage highlights important vocabulary, encourages understanding of cause and effect, and features a timeline of major events. Aligned with the C3 Framework and Common Core standards for history and literacy, this resource also offers a Spanish translation and includes read aloud audio for accessibility. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz and writing prompts that deepen comprehension and critical thinking. This passage is ideal for building foundational knowledge about Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War era, and the importance of unity and leadership in American history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

[Abraham Lincoln, three-quarter length portrait, seated, facing right; hair parted on Lincoln's right side]
Source: Library of Congress - Berger, Anthony

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. He was born in a small log cabin in Kentucky in 1809. His family was poor, and he worked hard as a child. Lincoln loved to read and wanted to learn as much as he could. When he grew up, he became a lawyer and then entered politics.

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president. The country was divided over the issue of slavery. Some states in the South wanted to keep slavery, while others in the North wanted to end it. Soon after Lincoln became president, several Southern states left the Union. This decision caused the Civil War, a long and deadly conflict between the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy).

Lincoln believed the United States should stay together as one country. He worked hard to lead the nation during the Civil War. He gave many speeches, including the famous Gettysburg Address. In this speech, he talked about freedom and equality for all people. Lincoln wanted to end slavery and unite the country.

In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This was an order that declared all enslaved people in the Southern states were free. The Emancipation Proclamation changed the course of the war. It gave hope to enslaved people and made the fight about freedom as well as unity. Many African Americans joined the Union army to help end slavery.

The Civil War ended in 1865. The Union won, and the country remained together. Slavery was finally ended in all states. Abraham Lincoln did not get to see much of the peace he helped create. He was tragically killed just days after the war ended. Many people remember Lincoln as one of America’s greatest presidents because he saved the nation and helped end slavery.

His bravery and leadership taught Americans about the importance of unity and freedom. Today, people across the United States honor Abraham Lincoln for his role in making the country better and fairer for everyone.

Interesting Fact: Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be born in Kentucky and the tallest U.S. president at six feet four inches.

Who was the 16th president?

Abraham LincolnGeorge WashingtonUlysses S. GrantThomas Jefferson

What year was Lincoln elected president?

1860180918631865

What was the Civil War about?

Slavery and unityTaxes onlyVoting rightsLand ownership

What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

Freed enslaved peopleStarted a new warBuilt railroadsEnded voting

Why is Lincoln remembered today?

He ended slaveryHe discovered goldHe built schoolsHe moved to France

How did the Civil War end?