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Explanation of the Failures of Abraham Lincoln - Succeed through Studying History. Also refer to career, defeat, setback, Illinois, lawyer, legislature, congress, senate, president, Whig, Republican, inspire, motivate, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions Failures of Abraham Lincolnby Ron Kurtus (11 January 2007) Although Abraham Lincoln is rated as one of the best American presidents, it is often pointed out that he had numerous failures in his career, until he was suddenly elected as president in 1860. This was mean to show that even a failure can become president, if he doesn't give up. But the problem is that, although Lincoln did have many set-backs, he was really a highly successful man by the time he was elected president. Questions you may have include:
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson. List of Lincoln's failuresA common list of the failures of Abraham Lincoln (along with a few successes) is:
That looks like a pretty glum résumé, making you wonder how he ever made it to the top. But when you really think of it, to run for office or high positions so many times, you have to have something on the ball and have more successes than meet the eye. Chronology of Lincoln's careerLincoln actually was considered a fairly successful politician in Illinois and a leader of the Whig party in his state, as well as a successful lawyer. The true chronology of his career is as follows. 1831At age 22, he lost his job because his father wanted to move the family. 1832At age 23, he was elected company captain of Illinois militia in the Black Hawk War. Because of his Black Hawk War involvement, he did not spend sufficient time campaigning and was defeated in running for the Illinois State Legislature. Note that he was only 23-years old. 1834At age 25, he started a store in New Salem, Illinois with a partner. He was appointed postmaster of New Salem and deputy surveyor of Sangamon County. Unfortunately, his partner died causing the business to fail. Lincoln later paid off the whole debt for the failed business. Then he was elected to the Illinois State House of Representatives. That certainly seems like a busy and successful year for someone only 25. 1835Lincoln's sweetheart, Ann Rutledge, died. 1836At age 27, Lincoln reportedly had a nervous breakdown. (Many scholars believe this to be a fabrication of William Herndon made after Lincoln had died. Herndon had been a law partner of Lincoln, but they did not get along. Considering Lincoln's other accomplishments that year, a nervous breakdown was unlikely.) Lincoln was re-elected to Illinois State Legislature and led the Whig political party delegation in moving Illinois state capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He also received a license to practice law in Illinois state courts and became law partner of John T. Stuart. 1838At age 29, he was nominated for Illinois House Speaker by Whig caucus but did not win the election, because the Whigs could not garner enough votes. He then served as the Whig Floor Leader. 1839Lincoln was chosen presidential elector for the first Whig convention. He also was admitted to practice law in U.S. Circuit Court. 1840At age 31, he was re-elected to Illinois State Legislature. He also argued his first case before Illinois Supreme Court. 1841He established a new law practice with Stephen T. Logan 1842At age 33, he was re-elected to Illinois State Legislature. Lincoln was also admitted to practice law in U.S. District Court. He was becoming a very successful lawyer, as well as a popular legislator. 1843At age 34, Lincoln wanted to run for Congress but for the sake of Whig party unity, agreed to hold off until 1846 to allow other party candidates to represent the state. Thus, he really was not defeated for nomination for Congress, as stated in the list of his "failures". 1844Lincoln established his own law practice with William H. Herndon as junior partner. (After Lincoln had been assassinated, Herndon claimed that Lincoln had suffered a nervous breakdown in 1836. This apparently was an effort to get back at Lincoln's widow.) 1846At age 37, Lincoln won the election for U.S. Congress. 1848At age 39, Lincoln's term in office was up and was not a candidate for Congress, per an agreed-upon arrangement among the Whigs. He did however try to get an appointment as Commissioner of the General Land Office at Washington D.C. but didn't get appointed. 1849Lincoln was admitted to practice law in U.S. Supreme Court. He was offered appointment as governor of the Oregon Territory, but he declined the position.1854He was elected to the Illinois State Legislature but declined the seat to run for U.S. Senate. 1855At age 46, Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate but then willingly deferred his Whig votes, as a political move, to allow Trumbull to win the seat. It was a intentional move and not a defeat as the list claims. 1856At age 47, Lincoln received votes in the Philadelphia Republican convention for the vice presidency. He did not campaign and was not running for the office at that time, so he did not gain the nomination. 1858At age 49, he ran for the U.S. Senate and won the popular vote. But the Illinois State Legislature overthrew the popular vote, as was legal in those days. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson eliminated that practice with the 17th amendment to the constitution. Thus, Lincoln ran for the Senate and was defeated. 1859Lincoln had a very successful and lucrative law practice but hesitantly agreed to run for the presidency. 1860At age 51, Lincoln became president of the United States. Purpose of failure listAbraham Lincoln had a very successful career up to becoming president. But for anyone trying different things, there can be a number setbacks. For some reason, writers exaggerated the setbacks or defeats, in order to use them to inspire people to overcome life's difficulties with Lincoln as a model. The failure list is great for motivational seminars and graduation speeches, but it is far from reality. SummaryAbraham Lincoln is rated as one of the best American presidents, but it is often noted that he had numerous failures in his career. In realty, he was a very successful politician and lawyer. The supposed list of setback is meant to show that even a failure can become president, if he doesn't give up. Never give up ResourcesThe following are some resources on this topic. Websites
BooksTop-rated books on Abraham Lincoln MiscellaneousMini-quiz to check your understanding1. How did Lincoln show his potential as a young man? 2. What was a reason Lincoln did not get elected to Congress the first time? 3. What is truly inspiring about Lincoln's life? If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in History. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again. What do you think?Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Share linkFeel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site. 
Or use our form to send this link to yourself or a friend. Students and researchersThe Web address of this page is Please include it as a reference in your report, document, or thesis. Where can you go from here?
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