Abraham Lincoln is considered by many Americans to be the greatest president to ever hold office in the history of the United States, and his reputation is definitely well deserved. Lincoln was not afraid to stand up and fight for what he knew was right. He believed that within the branches of government, only the presidency had the power not only to uphold the Constitution, but also to protect and defend it. Lincoln was able to lead our country and preserve the Union, keeping the United States from falling apart during the devastating times of the Civil War. As president, he transformed the Republican Party into a strong national organization and rallied most Northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which transformed the war into a battle for freedom and declared slaves within the Confederacy free forever. That November, Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, in which he stated that a country must dedicate itself to human freedom to survive. He dedicated the battlefield to the soldiers who had died and invited the living to finish the task that the dead soldiers had begun. (Donald, 1995) Lincoln believed that democracy could be an enduring form of government. He displayed a nobility of character that had world-wide appeal and was a man of great integrity. However, Lincoln was not only the sixteenth president of the United States, he was an American hero. Lincoln was a well-rounded individual and had numerous exceptional qualities. However, it is important to remember that Lincoln also led a private life, complete with close friends and family. Lincoln was born into a poor family on February 12, 1809... middle of paper... across the world. But to those who knew him he was more than just a president. In addition to being a man who brought revolutionary changes to our nation, he was also a devoted husband and father to his four children. Despite his intimidating 6'4" figure, he was a kind and kind-hearted man, who truly cared about ordinary people. His family and friends had a substantial influence on him and played an extremely important role in his life. They supported him in whatever he decided and kept him sane when he felt like he was about to collapse in difficult times. There is more to Lincoln than most people could ever imagine, and his personal life could never be complete without his family. Lincoln had a very close relationship with his wife Mary Todd and showed endless love and affection to his children. Abraham Lincoln was a true family man.