During his presidency, Abraham Lincoln faced numerous critical trials, including deepening national strife over slavery that culminated in the Civil War. His commitment to preserving the Union led him to make tough decisions, such as issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves in Confederate states to be free. Financial issues and military challenges strained his leadership, while internal divisions within his party further complicated governance. Despite these hardships, Lincoln's rhetoric, particularly in the Gettysburg Address, underscored his vision for a united nation based on liberty and equality, shaping his enduring legacy.