Although Abraham Lincoln was president more than a century ago, he is still considered one of our greatest presidents and his legacy remains important today." In the late 1800s, the tensions in America had increased led to a split between the Northern and Southern states. During this period, the North became more industrialized while the South more agricultural. The two sides developed different economies and ideas by April 14, 1861 Sumter, tensions came to a head with the start of the American Civil War Strategically leading the nation through this divisive time and considered one of the greatest presidents in American history, Abraham Lincoln left a legacy that lives on in America today through his preservation of the Union , confrontation with slavery, and steadfast leadership in times of crisis. Although Abraham Lincoln served the nation more than a century and a half ago, his steadfast belief in the preservation of the Union greatly influenced the development of the United States of America. By 1860, when Lincoln was inaugurated as president, the South had already claimed secession from the Union. Citing irreconcilable differences between the two regions, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and other states felt the need to leave the Union and form their own Confederacy between 1861 and 1864. In his inaugural address, President Lincoln announced his goal supreme to maintain and perfect a perpetual Union. His agreement to allow slavery where it already existed and to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act demonstrated his ability, as a leader, to compromise for the benefit of the nation. Seeking to avoid war, Lincoln called on the Southern states to reconsider their decisions and remain in the Union. He never acknowledged their existence as a separate entity ... middle of paper ... By freeing slaves in the Confederate states, Lincoln was able to stop the expansion of slavery and took a step forward in the advancement of freedom and liberty. rights for African Americans. As Lincoln once said, “With malice toward none, with charity toward all, with steadfastness in right, as God gives us to see right, let us strive to finish the work we are in, to rearrange the fortunes of the nation.” . wounds.”Works Cited1. Brinkley, Alan. "Chapter 14: The Civil War." American History: A Survey. 13th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1991. 370-403. Print.2. “Impact and legacy.” American President: Abraham Lincoln: Impact and Legacy. Miller Center: University of Virginia, nd Web. 03 December 2012..3. Norton, R. J. "The Achievements of President Abraham Lincoln." The accomplishments of President Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln Research Site, ndWeb. 03 December. 2012. .