Abraham Lincoln is one of the greatest presidents in American history because he preserved the Union, emancipated African Americans, and increased the federal government’s role in the settlement of the western states and territories.
The first reason as to why Abraham Lincoln is one of the greatest presidents in American history is he preserved the Union. According to Hattaway (1985), Lincoln issued orders and made ultimate military decisions as a commander in chief during the Civil War. Lincoln was responsible for making and seeing the execution of strategic plans sufficient to bring victory. (p. 19-20) Hattaway (1985) also states that President Lincoln ordered into effect the anaconda plan proposed by Lieutenant General Winfield Scott, which included the naval