Abraham Lincoln Becomes President — Reading Comprehension

Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th president of the United States in 1860. He grew up in a small log cabin in Kentucky. Lincoln worked hard as a young man. He taught himself to read and write. He became a lawyer and was known for his honesty. People called him "Honest Abe."

The country was divided over slavery. Many people in the South wanted to keep slavery. People in the North wanted to end it. Lincoln believed that slavery was wrong. He said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." This meant the country could not last if it stayed divided.

Lincoln ran for president in 1860. He gave many speeches to share his ideas. People listened to him because he spoke with courage and hope. He promised to keep the country together. On November 6, 1860, Lincoln won the election. Some states in the South did not like this. They decided to leave the United States. This started a very hard time called the Civil War.

As president, Lincoln worked to bring the country back together. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This important paper freed many slaves. Lincoln said, "Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." These words gave hope to many Americans.

Lincoln was a leader who showed bravery and unity. He worked for peace and freedom for all people.

Interesting Fact: Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be born in a log cabin. He is also on the penny and the five-dollar bill!

When was Abraham Lincoln elected president?

Where was Abraham Lincoln born?

What is the Emancipation Proclamation?

Why did some Southern states leave the Union?

How did Lincoln show bravery?

What did Lincoln promise in his speeches?

Lincoln was known as "Honest Abe." (True/False)

What is a lawyer?