RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Criminal mind that was very influential in the future of the United States of America.

Great man, but didn't have a large impact on world history.

Preserves the Union and bears a large share of ensuring that the United States exists to ultimately dominate the continent, and have vast influence throughout the globe. I'd call that pretty influential.

Probably the greatest president

An enormous influence in the United States in many ways - but I don't think he's had that big an impact on the entire world.

Must be important as he was one of the Most Special Historical Dudes featured in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. All kidding aside, this Great President never had the opportunity to lead the country in peace.

I must be thinking of a different history.

Hugely influential on American history, and influential on WORLD history for holding the U.S. together during the period when allowing it to come apart could have forever eliminated its potential superpower status. While his *ideas* are not particularly influential elsewhere, his actions are; in the same way Otto von Bismarck's actions were ultimately influential, even decisive, on world history.

O'Captain, my Captain, he braved some of America's stormiest seas, and reunited the two halves of America, through in the end, it costed him his life, Licoln was a brave, courageous man who fought the battle against slavery and won. Unfortunately, it would take a whole century before African-Americans and minorities could truly declare themselves as free.

I rate him with a 5. First off all he created the emancipation proclamation, which ended slavery for the greater good. Without that, what would our lives today be like, it wouldnt only affect us americans, it would affect africa because we use them as slaves. It would also affect the monopoly of our trade with all countries. Zippax, you dont know nothing, hair got nothin to do with it. Oh and dont forget that he did lead our country back into one union. He enlisted the help of some of the greatest generals ever. Gosh, not influencial. Wow, you guys need to brush up on your history. He showed what you can achieve if you work hard at it and you truly believe.

Lincoln was certainly one of the most effective and influential U.S. presidents in American History, but his presidency largely revolved around domestic issues, thus virtually eliminating any potential influence in world affairs. His actions regarding slavery were not exactly earth-shattering, as most other industrialized nations in the world had already abolished slavery by the time Lincoln became President. Any influence Lincoln may have in world history is largely symbolic and intangible. The Civil War had virtually no global effect, as many social and political reforms were being initiated while the United States was engaged in the terribly divisive Civil War.

While Lincoln is truly one of the greatest figures in American history, I'm not sure he was that important for the world. However, the one thing he did was hold this nation together. He was a man of many faults and many strengths, of fierce pride and determination. In a career full of disappointments and losses, he was unlucky enough to have been in office when America finally reached it's breaking point. Lincoln both carried the nation through and broke some vital rules. Maybe another president would have done better or maybe another president would failed miserably. The thing you can say most about Lincoln is he did his best-and his best was enough to keep a struggling nation alive and as one.