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Lincoln, Abraham
Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States (1861–65) and is widely considered the quintessential American because of his rise from humble roots and his devotion to human equality. “As I would not be a slave,” Lincoln wrote, “so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy.” His statesmanship was guided by the principles of equal rights and government by consent of the governed found in the Declaration of Independence. He also emphasized the opportunities for self-improvement and advancement created by the principle of equal protection of the laws. “Liberty to all,” Lincoln said, “clears the path for all—gives hope to all—and, by consequence, enterprize, and industry to all” (remarks at Bloomington, IL, November 21, 1860, as quoted ...
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