Abraham Lincoln's Administration, 1861-1865.

An Overview of Lincoln's Administration Life in the United States during Lincoln's administration revolved almost entirely around the Civil War. To raise money to fight the war, Congress levied the first income tax in the history of the country. For the first time, federal officeholders had to take an oath of loyalty to the Union. Pioneers flocked to the western frontier, and mining towns sprang up overnight. The government gave free farms to settlers, and set aside land for colleges that later became state universities.

Abraham Lincoln was a successful lawyer in Springfield, Illinois, had served in the Illinois State Legislature and in the U.S. House of Representatives, but was virtually unknown outside of Illinois. He gained national recognition when he debated slavery with Stephen A. Douglas during an 1858 campaign for the U.S. Senate. Although he ultimately lost the senatorial election, his oratorical skills drew the attention of the newly-formed Republican Party, which nominated him as its first candidate for President in 1860.

Mary Todd Lincoln From the moment she married Abraham Lincoln, Mary believed that Abe was destined to become President of the United States, and she did all she could to help him realize that ambition. Unfortunately, Mary's years in the White House brought her more sorrow than happiness.