Emerging on the political scene, Lincoln, a well-known lawyer, wins his first political position in the Illinois House of Representatives. Lincoln will hold the seat for years to come, launching himself into the political arena.
In 1837, as the debate over slavery and its extension continues to heat up, Lincoln officially and publicly declares his anti-slavery sentiments. He is publicly opposed to its extension across the nation into new territories.
WINS U.S. HOUSE SEAT
House of Representatives
Lincoln breaks into the national political scene by winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. It will be his first and only term served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
HOUSE DIVIDED SPEECH
LOSES U.S. SENATE BID
Is it back to farming for me?
A House divided cannot stand!
Lincoln decides to run for the U.S. Senate instead, giving up his bid for reelection to the House. However, a state legislature chooses Lyman Trumbull instead, effectively pushing Lincoln out of the political picture...for the moment.
As part of his seven debate series with Stephen Douglas in their race for a senatorial position, Lincoln delivers his famous "House Divided" speech, remarking on the inability of a country to remain half slave, half free. It is the foundation of his ideologies.
LOSES TO DOUGLAS
After a series of debates with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln wins the Senatorial popular vote for U.S. Senator, but still loses the election to Douglas. Despite this, his political race has made him a key candidate for the newly-formed Republican party.
WINS PRESIDENCY
16th PRESIDENT ELECT
After winning the Republican nomination for president, Lincoln goes on to tour the country, and gains support. In a four-way presidential race, Lincoln emerges victorious, and is inaugurated as the nation's 16th president in March of 1861.