Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown.
He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the United States history.
Here is a sketch of Lincoln’s road to the White House:
1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them. 1818 His mother died. 1831 Failed in business. 1832 Ran for state legislature – lost. 1832 Also lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in. 1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt. 1834 Ran for state legislature again – won. 1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken. 1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months. 1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated. 1840 Sought to become elector – defeated. 1843 Ran for Congress – lost. 1846 Ran for Congress again – this time he won – went to Washington and did a good job. 1848 Ran for re-election to Congress – lost. 1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected. 1854 Ran for Senate of the United States – lost. 1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – get less than 100 votes. 1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again – again he lost. 1860 Elected president of the United States.
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