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.
