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Alabama enacted the Human Life Protection Act on May 14, 2019, prohibiting abortion at all pregnancy stages except when a "serious health risk" exists, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Physicians who perform abortions face sentences of 10 to 99 years. The law was scheduled to begin in November but was blocked on ... | On May 14, 2019, Alabama passed the Human Life Protection Act, banning abortion at any stage of pregnancy unless there is a "serious health risk", with no exceptions for rape and incest. The law subjects doctors who perform abortions with 10 to 99 years imprisonment. The law was originally supposed to take effect the f... |
The Alabama Department of Revenue handles tax collection throughout the state. Alabama's personal income tax ranges from 2% to 5% depending on earnings and filing category. Residents can subtract their federal income tax payments from their state taxes even when using standard deductions; those who itemize deductions m... | Taxes Taxes are collected by the Alabama Department of Revenue. Alabama levies a 2%, 4%, or5% personal income tax, depending on the amount earned and filing status. Taxpayers are allowed to deduct their federal income tax from their Alabama state tax, even if taking the standard deduction; those who itemize can also de... |
The base statewide sales tax is 4%, with additional local sales taxes applied by cities and counties. For instance, Mobile County's total sales tax reaches 10%, plus an extra 1% tax on restaurant meals, bringing the total tax on dining out to 11%. | The state's general sales tax rate is 4%. Sales tax rates for cities and counties are also added to purchases. For example, the total sales tax rate in Mobile County, Alabama is 10% and there is an additional restaurant tax of 1%, which means a diner in Mobile County, Alabama would pay an 11% tax on a meal. |
Alabama is divided into 67 counties, each with an elected county commission serving as the legislative body and limited executive functions. The state constitution restricts local authority by concentrating power at the state level, so only seven counties (Jefferson, Lee, Mobile, Madison, Montgomery, Shelby, and Tuscal... | Alabama has 67 counties. Each county has its own elected legislative branch, usually called the county commission. It also has limited executive authority in the county. Because of the constraints of the Alabama Constitution, which centralizes power in the state legislature, only seven counties (Jefferson, Lee, Mobile,... |
The state legislature maintains control of local governments by rejecting a constitutional amendment for county home rule, which had been proposed by the 1973 Alabama Constitutional Commission. Special legislative groups maintain authority over individual counties. Following the 1964 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Baker ... | The state legislature has retained power over local governments by refusing to pass a constitutional amendment establishing home rule for counties, as recommended by the 1973 Alabama Constitutional Commission. Legislative delegations retain certain powers over each county. United States Supreme Court decisions in Baker... |
Because Alabama counties lack home rule authority, numerous local laws have been created allowing counties to act beyond constitutional limits. More than 700 amendments have been added to Alabama's constitution, with approximately one-third applying to just one county or city. Legislative sessions dedicate substantial ... | "The lack of home rule for counties in Alabama has resulted in the proliferation of local legislation permitting counties to do things not authorized by the state constitution. Alabama's constitution has been amended more than 700 times, and almost one-third of the amendments are local in nature, applying to only one c... |
Alabama operates as an alcoholic beverage control state, with the government holding exclusive rights to alcohol sales. The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board manages how alcoholic beverages are bought and sold statewide. Of the 67 counties, 25 are designated "dry counties" where alcohol sales are prohibited, and... | Alabama is an alcoholic beverage control state, meaning the state government holds a monopoly on the sale of alcohol. The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board controls the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in the state. A total of 25 of the 67 counties are "dry counties" which ban the sale of alcohol, an... |
Following the Civil War, Alabama fell under occupation by federal troops as part of the Third Military District commanded by General John Pope during Reconstruction. In 1874, white Democratic leaders known as the Redeemers seized control from Republicans, partly by using violence, cheating, and threats to prevent black... | Politics During Reconstruction following the American Civil War, Alabama was occupied by federal troops of the Third Military District under General John Pope. In 1874, the political coalition of white Democrats known as the Redeemers took control of the state government from the Republicans, in part by suppressing the... |
The Alabama Legislature approved a resolution in 2007 expressing "deep regret" about slavery and its lasting consequences, which Republican Governor Bob Riley signed into law. The symbolic signing occurred at the Alabama State Capitol, which once housed the Confederate Congress. Republicans achieved control of both leg... | In 2007, the Alabama Legislature passed, and Republican governor Bob Riley signed a resolution expressing "profound regret" over slavery and its lingering impact. In a symbolic ceremony, the bill was signed in the Alabama State Capitol, which housed Congress of the Confederate States of America. In 2010, Republicans wo... |
When Black citizens were barred from voting in 1901, Alabama became part of the "Solid South," where the Democratic Party was the only meaningful political choice throughout Southern states. For nearly a century, Democratic Party primaries decided local and state races in Alabama, with Republicans rarely mounting serio... | State elections With the disfranchisement of Blacks in 1901, the state became part of the "Solid South", a system in which the Democratic Party operated as effectively the only viable political party in every Southern state. For nearly a hundred years local and state elections in Alabama were decided in the Democratic ... |
The nine Supreme Court justices and all ten appellate court judges are elected to their positions. Before 1994, no Republican held any court seat. That year, Democratic Chief Justice Ernest C. Hornsby refused to step down after losing to Republican Perry O. Hooper Sr. by about 3,000 votes. Hornsby sued the state and st... | Members of the nine seats on the Supreme Court of Alabama and all ten seats on the state appellate courts are elected to office. Until 1994, no Republicans held any of the court seats. In that general election, the then-incumbent chief justice, Ernest C. Hornsby, refused to leave office after losing the election by app... |
As of the early 21st century, Republicans occupy all seven statewide executive positions. Republicans also control six of eight elected spots on the State Board of Education. Following 2010 elections, Republicans gained commanding majorities in both legislative chambers, becoming the majority for the first time in 136 ... | In the early 21st century, Republicans hold all seven of the statewide elected executive branch offices. Republicans hold six of the eight elected seats on the Alabama State Board of Education. In 2010, Republicans took large majorities of both chambers of the state legislature, giving them control of that body for the... |
County commissioners, school board members, tax assessors, and mayors throughout Alabama include numerous Democrats in local positions. Suburban and metropolitan counties with majority-Democratic populations see Democratic candidates chosen in party primaries. Conversely, mostly rural counties lean Republican and deter... | Local elections Many local offices (county commissioners, boards of education, tax assessors, mayors, etc.) in the state are still held by Democrats. Many metropolitan and suburban counties have voters who are majority Democrats, resulting in local elections being decided in the Democratic primary. Similarly most rural... |
Alabama's 67 sheriffs are chosen through partisan, countywide elections, with Republicans holding most of these offices. The current breakdown shows 18 Democrats and 49 Republicans as of 2023. The Democratic sheriffs, however, lead in urban and heavily populated counties. Republican sheriffs predominantly lead in less ... | Alabama's 67 county sheriffs are elected in partisan, at-large races, and Republicans retain the vast majority of those posts. The current split is 18 Democrats, and 49 Republicans as of 2023. However, most of the Democratic sheriffs preside over urban and more populated counties. The majority of Republican sheriffs ha... |
Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, both Republicans, represent Alabama as U.S. senators. The state sends seven representatives to the U.S. House, consisting of six Republicans (Jerry Carl, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Dale Strong, Barry Moore, and Gary Palmer) and one Democrat (Terri Sewell, who represents the Black Be... | Federal elections The state's two U.S. senators are Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, both of whom are Republican. In the U.S. House of Representatives, the state is represented by seven members, six of whom are Republicans: (Jerry Carl, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Dale Strong, Barry Moore, and Gary Palmer) and one D... |
Though Alabama's schools have made progress in recent years, performance lags behind other states. Based on 2000 Census information, Alabama ranks fourth lowest in high school graduation rates at 75%, behind only Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The most significant educational improvements occurred among those wh... | While Alabama's public education system has improved in recent decades, it lags behind in achievement compared to other states. According to U.S. Census data (2000), Alabama's high school graduation rate (75%) is the fourth lowest in the U.S. (after Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi). The largest educational gains we... |
While uncommon in western states, paddling students remains permitted in Alabama schools. Official data from the 2011-2012 school year showed 27,260 public school students were paddled at least once. Only Mississippi and Arkansas surpass Alabama's rate of student paddling. | Generally prohibited in the West at large, school corporal punishment is not unusual in Alabama, with 27,260 public school students paddled at least one time, according to government data for the 2011 2012 school year. The rate of school corporal punishment in Alabama is surpassed by only Mississippi and Arkansas. |
Alabama supports higher education through 14 four-year state universities, community colleges, and 17 private universities offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The state houses four medical schools (University of Alabama School of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, a... | Alabama's programs of higher education include 14 four-year public universities, two-year community colleges, and 17 private, undergraduate and graduate universities. In the state are four medical schools (as of fall 2015) (University of Alabama School of Medicine, University of South Alabama and Alabama College of Ost... |
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa is the largest single campus, enrolling 37,665 students for fall 2016. Troy University was Alabama's largest institution in 2010 with 29,689 students across four state campuses (Troy, Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City), plus sixty additional learning centers in seventeen states... | The largest single campus is the University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, with 37,665 enrolled for fall 2016. Troy University was the largest institution in the state in 2010, with an enrollment of 29,689 students across four Alabama campuses (Troy, Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City), as well as sixty learning s... |
Alabama's literary tradition emphasizes themes of racial conflict, gender issues, and warfare, drawing from the American Civil War, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement, and Vietnam War. Prominent Alabama literature includes Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, Winston Groom's Forrest Gump, Fannie Flagg's Fried Gre... | Alabama literature is characterized by themes of race and issues of gender and war, and is influenced by events such as the American Civil War, the Reconstruction era, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War. Some notable examples of Alabama literature include Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, Winston Groom's ... |
College football commands tremendous enthusiasm in Alabama, especially for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn University Tigers, who compete as Southeastern Conference rivals. Both programs draw massive crowds, with Alabama averaging over 100,000 fans and Auburn over 80,000, both figures ranking among th... | College sports College football is extremely popular in Alabama, particularly the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn University Tigers, rivals in the Southeastern Conference. Alabama averages over 100,000 fans per game and Auburn averages over 80,000 both numbers among the top twenty in the nation. Bryant De... |
The UAB Blazers play at Protective Stadium, which has 45,000 seats and hosts the Birmingham Bowl. Mobile's Ladd Peebles Stadium accommodates 40,646 people and serves as home to the University of South Alabama team while hosting the NCAA Senior Bowl, LendingTree Bowl, and Alabama-Mississippi All Star Classic. Beginning ... | Protective Stadium is home of the UAB Blazers football program and the Birmingham Bowl. It seats 45,000. Ladd Peebles Stadium in Mobile is the home of the University of South Alabama football team, and serves as the home of the NCAA Senior Bowl, LendingTree Bowl, and Alabama-Mississippi All Star Classic; the stadium se... |
Six major interstate highways cross Alabama: I-65 runs roughly north-south through the center; I-20/I-59 extend from the western Mississippi border through Birmingham, where I-59 goes northeast and I-20 continues toward Atlanta; I-85 begins in Montgomery and travels northeast to Georgia, providing access to Atlanta; I-... | Roads Alabama has six major interstate routes: Interstate 65 (I-65) travels north south roughly through the middle of the state; I-20/I-59 travel from the central west Mississippi state line to Birmingham, where I-59 continues to the north-east corner of the state and I-20 continues east towards Atlanta; I-85 originate... |
Mobile's port is Alabama's sole saltwater harbor, functioning as a major Gulf of Mexico seaport with connections inland to the Midwest through the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. In 2009, Mobile ranked twelfth nationally in cargo volume. Its expanded container facility placed 25th nationally for container activity in 201... | Ports The Port of Mobile, Alabama's only saltwater port, is a large seaport on the Gulf of Mexico with inland waterway access to the Midwest by way of the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. The Port of Mobile was ranked 12th by tons of traffic in the United States during 2009. The newly expanded container terminal at the Po... |
In Greek mythology, Achilles was a celebrated warrior of the Trojan War, considered the greatest among Greek fighters. He appears prominently in Homer's Iliad and was born to the sea nymph Thetis and Peleus, a king and legendary seafarer. Growing up in Phthia with his companion Patroclus, Achilles received training fro... | In Greek mythology, Achilles ( ) or Achilleus () was a hero of the Trojan War who was known as being the greatest of all the Greek warriors. A central character in Homer's Iliad, he was the son of the Nereid Thetis and Peleus, king of Phthia and famous Argonaut. Achilles was raised in Phthia along his childhood compani... |
Achilles' greatest accomplishment during the Trojan War was killing the Trojan prince Hector at Troy's gates. While the Iliad does not describe Achilles' own death, other ancient sources report that Paris killed him with an arrow near the war's end. Later myths, starting with Statius' incomplete epic the Achilleid from... | Achilles' most notable feat during the Trojan War was the slaying of the Trojan prince Hector outside the gates of Troy. Although the death of Achilles is not presented in the Iliad, other sources concur that he was killed near the end of the Trojan War by Paris, who shot him with an arrow. Later legends (beginning wit... |
Early Greek records on Linear B tablets show the name Achilleus appearing as a-ki-re-u and a-ki-re-we, with the latter being a grammatical variant of the former. The name became increasingly widespread, growing common after the seventh century BC and was eventually adapted into a female version (Achillea), documented i... | Linear B tablets attest to the personal name Achilleus in the forms a-ki-re-u and a-ki-re-we, the latter being the dative of the former. The name grew more popular, becoming common soon after the seventh century BC and was also turned into the female form (Achille a), attested in Attica in the fourth century BC (IG II ... |
Achilles' name appears to combine the words for "pain, grief, suffering" and "people, soldiers, nation," creating a root meaning "he who brings distress to the people" or "he whose people suffer." The suffering of the soldiers is a recurring topic throughout the Iliad, which Achilles himself mentions frequently. The co... | Achilles' name can be analyzed as a combination of () "distress, pain, sorrow, grief" and () "people, soldiers, nation", resulting in a proto-form *Akh -l u os "he who has the people distressed" or "he whose people have distress". The grief or distress of the people is a theme raised numerous times in the Iliad (and fr... |
Some scholars believe the name may be borrowed from an older, non-Greek language. Because Achilles descended from the sea nymph Thetis and his name resembles those of river deities like Acheron and Achelous, some have theorized he was originally a water god. Robert S. P. Beekes has proposed a Pre-Greek source for the n... | Some researchers deem the name a loan word, possibly from a Pre-Greek language. Achilles' descent from the Nereid Thetis and a similarity of his name with those of river deities such as Acheron and Achelous have led to speculations about his being an old water divinity . Robert S. P. Beekes has suggested a Pre-Greek or... |
Achilles was born to Thetis, a sea nymph and daughter of Nereus the ancient sea god, and Peleus, king of the Myrmidons. Zeus and Poseidon had both sought to marry Thetis until Prometheus warned Zeus of a prophecy (originally spoken by Themis, goddess of divine order) stating that Thetis would bear a son superior to his... | Achilles was the son of Thetisa Nereid and daughter of the Old Man of the Seaand Peleus, the king of the Myrmidons. Zeus and Poseidon had been rivals for Thetis's hand in marriage until Prometheus, the fore-thinker, warned Zeus of a prophecy (originally uttered by Themis, goddess of divine law) that Thetis would bear a... |
An alternative account exists of these events: In the Argonautica, Hera recalls how Thetis remained chaste and resisted Zeus' advances out of loyalty to Hera's marriage vows. Thetis, though born of the sea god Nereus, had been raised by Hera, which explained her rejection of Zeus' interest. In response to her rejection... | There is a tale which offers an alternative version of these events: In the Argonautica (4.760) Zeus' sister and wife Hera alludes to Thetis' chaste resistance to the advances of Zeus, pointing out that Thetis was so loyal to Hera's marriage bond that she coolly rejected the father of gods. Thetis, although a daughter ... |
According to Statius' first century AD Achilleid and older sources no longer surviving, Thetis attempted to make Achilles immortal by plunging him into the river Styx when he was born; however, the part she gripped—his left heel—remained exposed to mortality. Whether this account existed in earlier times is uncertain. ... | According to the Achilleid, written by Statius in the 1st century AD, and to non-surviving previous sources, when Achilles was born Thetis tried to make him immortal by dipping him in the river Styx; however, he was left vulnerable at the part of the body by which she held him: his left heel . It is not clear if this v... |
Earlier sources before Statius never mention any general invulnerability. Actually, Homer's Iliad shows Achilles being hurt: In Book 21, the warrior Asteropaios from Paeon, son of Pelagon, battles Achilles by the Scamander river. Using both hands, he threw spears from each side; one grazed Achilles' elbow and "drew blo... | None of the sources before Statius make any reference to this general invulnerability. To the contrary, in the Iliad, Homer mentions Achilles being wounded: in Book 21 the Paeonian hero Asteropaios, son of Pelagon, challenged Achilles by the river Scamander. He was ambidextrous, and cast a spear from each hand; one gra... |
Peleus gave Achilles to Chiron, the most honorable Centaur living on Mount Pelion, to raise. Some accounts say Achilles was originally named "Ligyron" before his teacher Chiron gave him the name Achilles. Homer tells us that Achilles spent his youth in Phthia alongside his close friend Patroclus, and that Achilles taug... | Peleus entrusted Achilles to Chiron, who lived on Mount Pelion and was known as the most righteous of the Centaurs, to be reared. In some accounts, Achilles' original name was "Ligyron" and he was later named Achilles by his tutor Chiron. According to Homer, Achilles grew up in Phthia with his childhood companion Patro... |
According to Photius, Ptolemy Hephaestion's New History reported that Thetis burned the children she had with Peleus in a hidden place. When she tried this with Achilles, Peleus discovered her, pulled the child from the flames with a burned foot, and gave him to the centaur Chiron. Later Chiron dug up the body of the g... | According to Photius, the sixth book of the New History by Ptolemy Hephaestion reported that Thetis burned in a secret place the children she had by Peleus. When she had Achilles, Peleus noticed, tore him from the flames with only a burnt foot, and confided him to the centaur Chiron. Later Chiron exhumed the body of th... |
According to Dares the Phrygian's account, Achilles had "a large chest, an attractive mouth, and strong, well-developed arms and legs. Long, wavy chestnut hair covered his head. Despite his gentle nature, he fought with tremendous ferocity. His face displayed the satisfaction of someone blessed with great gifts." Homer... | Physical description In the account of Dares the Phrygian, Achilles was described having "... a large chest, a fine mouth, and powerfully formed arms and legs. His head was covered with long wavy chestnut-colored hair. Though mild in manner, he was very fierce in battle. His face showed the joy of a man richly endowed.... |
Achilles lived in hiding among the daughters of King Lycomedes, possibly using the name "Pyrrha" (meaning red-haired), Cercysera, or Aissa (meaning swift). He became involved with Deidamia, one of the king's daughters, and fathered two sons with her: Neoptolemus (also called Pyrrhus, after a name his father may have us... | There, Achilles, properly disguised, lived among Lycomedes' daughters, perhaps under the name "Pyrrha" (the red-haired girl), Cercysera or Aissa ("swift"). With Lycomedes' daughter Deidamia, with whom he had begun a relationship, Achilles there fathered two sons, Neoptolemus (also called Pyrrhus, after his father's pos... |
When the Greek fleet sailed toward the Trojan War, they accidentally landed in Mysia, governed by King Telephus. In the fighting that followed, Achilles wounded Telephus so severely that the wound would not heal. Telephus sought guidance from an oracle, who declared that "the one who caused the wound will cure it." Fol... | Telephus When the Greeks left for the Trojan War, they accidentally stopped in Mysia, ruled by King Telephus. In the resulting battle, Achilles gave Telephus a wound that would not heal; Telephus consulted an oracle, who stated that "he that wounded shall heal". Guided by the oracle, he arrived at Argos, where Achilles... |
According to other accounts from Euripides' lost play about Telephus, he appeared at Aulis disguised as a beggar requesting that Achilles heal his wound. Achilles refused, claiming he had no medical skill. Another version states that Telephus took Orestes hostage, demanding Achilles' help healing the wound in exchange.... | According to other reports in Euripides' lost play about Telephus, he went to Aulis pretending to be a beggar and asked Achilles to heal his wound. Achilles refused, claiming to have no medical knowledge. Alternatively, Telephus held Orestes for ransom, the ransom being Achilles' aid in healing the wound. Odysseus reas... |
As the Greek situation deteriorates due to Zeus' interference, Nestor convinces Agamemnon that the Trojans gain strength because Achilles is angry, urging the king to make peace with him. Agamemnon agrees and sends Odysseus along with Ajax and Phoenix to negotiate. They pledge that if Achilles returns to battle, Agamem... | As the battle turns against the Greeks, thanks to the influence of Zeus, Nestor declares that the Trojans are winning because Agamemnon has angered Achilles, and urges the king to appease the warrior. Agamemnon agrees and sends Odysseus and two other chieftains, Ajax and Phoenix. They promise that, if Achilles returns ... |
The Trojans, with Hector leading them, drive the Greek forces back toward their ships and attack the Greek vessels. With the Greeks facing total defeat, Patroclus takes the Myrmidons into combat dressed in Achilles' armor, while Achilles stays in his camp. Patroclus manages to push the Trojans away from the beaches but... | The Trojans, led by Hector, subsequently push the Greek army back toward the beaches and assault the Greek ships. With the Greek forces on the verge of absolute destruction, Patroclus leads the Myrmidons into battle, wearing Achilles' armour, though Achilles remains at his camp. Patroclus succeeds in pushing the Trojan... |
After learning from Nestor's son Antilochus that Patroclus has been slain, Achilles mourns deeply for his beloved friend. His mother Thetis arrives to soothe the grieving Achilles. She arranges for Hephaestus to craft new armor for him, replacing the suit Patroclus had worn into battle and that Hector took. The new arm... | After receiving the news of the death of Patroclus from Antilochus, the son of Nestor, Achilles grieves over his beloved companion's death. His mother Thetis comes to comfort the distraught Achilles. She persuades Hephaestus to make new armour for him, in place of the armour that Patroclus had been wearing, which was t... |
Just before fighting Hector, Achilles is compared to the brightest autumn star, Sirius (the dog star of Orion), considered an omen of misfortune. When Patroclus is cremated, Achilles is likened to Hesperus, the evening star (Venus), and the comparison continues until Phosphorus, the morning star (also Venus), sets. | At the onset of his duel with Hector, Achilles is referred to as the brightest star in the sky, which comes on in the autumn, Orion's dog (Sirius); a sign of evil. During the cremation of Patroclus, he is compared to Hesperus, the evening/western star (Venus), while the burning of the funeral pyre lasts until Phosphoru... |
With the god Hermes' assistance, Hector's father Priam approaches Achilles' tent to plead for his son's body so it can receive proper burial. Achilles agrees and offers a nine-day truce for funeral preparations, with the burial occurring on the tenth day (following the tradition of Niobe's children). The epic concludes... | With the assistance of the god Hermes (Argeiphontes), Hector's father Priam goes to Achilles' tent to plead with Achilles for the return of Hector's body so that he can be buried. Achilles relents and promises a truce for the duration of the funeral, lasting 9 days with a burial on the 10th (in the tradition of Niobe's... |
The Aethiopis from the seventh century BC and Quintus of Smyrna's Posthomerica from the fourth century CE describe additional Trojan War events. When Penthesilea, the Amazon queen and daughter of Ares, arrives in Troy, Priam believes she can defeat Achilles. After his truce with Priam ends, Achilles fights and slays Pe... | The Aethiopis (7th century BC) and a work named Posthomerica, composed by Quintus of Smyrna in the fourth century CE, relate further events from the Trojan War. When Penthesilea, queen of the Amazons and daughter of Ares, arrives in Troy, Priam hopes that she will defeat Achilles. After his temporary truce with Priam, ... |
Following Patroclus' death, Nestor's son Antilochus replaces him as Achilles' closest companion. When Memnon, son of the goddess Eos and king of Ethiopia, kills Antilochus, Achilles seeks vengeance and defeats Memnon in combat. In response, Eos prevents the sun from rising until Zeus persuades her otherwise. The confro... | Following the death of Patroclus, Nestor's son Antilochus becomes Achilles' closest companion. When Memnon, son of the Dawn Goddess Eos and king of Ethiopia, slays Antilochus, Achilles once more obtains revenge on the battlefield, killing Memnon. Consequently, Eos will not let the sun rise until Zeus persuades her. The... |
Many scholars of Homer's works have suggested this episode inspired numerous details about Patroclus' death and Achilles' response in the Iliad. The episode served as the foundation for the cyclic epic Aethiopis, composed after the Iliad, possibly around the seventh century BC. The Aethiopis survives only in fragments ... | Many Homeric scholars argued that episode inspired many details in the Iliads description of the death of Patroclus and Achilles' reaction to it. The episode then formed the basis of the cyclic epic Aethiopis, which was composed after the Iliad, possibly in the 7th century BC. The Aethiopis is now lost, except for scat... |
Achilles' death, even considering only the earliest sources, has many different versions, each complex in its own way. In the oldest account, Book XXII of the Iliad presents Hector's final prophecy as he dies: Paris and Apollo will kill Achilles at Troy's Scaean Gate (with a heel wound according to Statius). In Book XX... | The death of Achilles, even if considered solely as it occurred in the oldest sources, is a complex one, with many different versions. Starting with the oldest account, In the Iliad Book XXII, Hector predicts with his last dying breath that Paris and Apollo will slay him at the Scaean Gates leading to Troy (with an arr... |
In Book XI of the Odyssey, Odysseus travels to the underworld and speaks with the dead. He encounters Achilles, who, when called "blessed in life and death," replies that he would prefer being a slave to the poorest man than ruling over all the dead. Nonetheless, Achilles asks Odysseus about his son's performances in t... | In the Odyssey Book XI, Odysseus sails to the underworld and converses with the shades. One of these is Achilles, who when greeted as "blessed in life, blessed in death", responds that he would rather be a slave to the worst of masters than be king of all the dead. But Achilles then asks Odysseus of his son's exploits ... |
In Odyssey Book XXIV, the dead King Agamemnon recounts his vision of Achilles' funeral: the bleached bones were combined with those of Patroclus and placed in his mother's golden urn. Similarly, Antilochus' bones, who had become Achilles' closest friend after Patroclus, were buried separately. The customary athletic co... | In the Odyssey Book XXIV we read dead King Agamemnon's ghostly account of his death: Achilles' funeral pyre bleached bones had been mixed with those of Patroclus and put into his mother's golden vase. Also, the bones of Antilocus, who had become closer to Achilles than any other following Patroclus' death, were separat... |
According to the Aethiopis, Achilles continued living after death on the island of Leuke at the Danube's mouth. Another account claims Achilles fell passionately in love with Polyxena, a Trojan princess. He requested her hand in marriage from Priam, who agreed, hoping this would end the war and ally him with the greate... | Achilles was represented in the Aethiopis as living after his death in the island of Leuke at the mouth of the river Danube. Another version of Achilles' death is that he fell deeply in love with one of the Trojan princesses, Polyxena. Achilles asks Priam for Polyxena's hand in marriage. Priam is willing because it wou... |
Achilles' armor became the subject of bitter rivalry between Odysseus and Ajax son of Telamon (Ajax the greater). They competed by arguing before Trojan prisoners about who was the bravest after Achilles, and the prisoners judged Odysseus more worthy of the armor. Enraged, Ajax cursed Odysseus, angering Athena, who dro... | Achilles' armour was the object of a feud between Odysseus and Telamonian Ajax (Ajax the greater). They competed for it by giving speeches on why they were the bravest after Achilles to their Trojan prisoners, who, after considering both men's presentations, decided Odysseus was more deserving of the armour. Furious, A... |
The disputed armor was crafted by Hephaestus and possessed superior strength and beauty compared to anything a mortal artisan could create. Thetis commissioned it because Achilles' original armor had been worn by Patroclus in battle and seized by Hector when he killed Patroclus. Hephaestus also forged the Shield of Ach... | The armour they fought for was made by Hephaestus and thus much stronger and more beautiful than any armour a mortal could craft. Thetis had the gear made for Achilles because his first set was worn by Patroclus when he went to battle and taken by Hector when he killed Patroclus. The Shield of Achilles was also made by... |
A spear believed to be Achilles' bronze-tipped weapon was kept for centuries in Athena's sanctuary at the acropolis of Phaselis in Lycia, a harbor city on the coast of Pamphylia. Alexander the Great visited the city in 333 BC, considering himself the new Achilles and traveling with a copy of the Iliad, but his biograph... | A relic claimed to be Achilles' bronze-headed spear was preserved for centuries in the temple of Athena on the acropolis of Phaselis, Lycia, a port on the Pamphylian Gulf. The city was visited in 333 BC by Alexander the Great, who envisioned himself as the new Achilles and carried the Iliad with him, but his court biog... |
Various pottery images hint at a story absent from written sources. During the conflict, Achilles and Ajax were engaged in a board game (petteia) and focused entirely on it, oblivious to the fighting around them. Trojan forces approached and nearly reached them, but Athena intervened and saved them. | Numerous paintings on pottery have suggested a tale not mentioned in the literary traditions. At some point in the war, Achilles and Ajax were playing a board game (petteia). They were absorbed in the game and oblivious to the surrounding battle. The Trojans attacked and reached the heroes, who were saved only by an in... |
Achilles' burial site remained visible throughout ancient times in the Troad region and drew worship from various groups including the Thessalians, Persian invaders, Alexander the Great, and the Roman emperor Caracalla. Worship of Achilles extended beyond his tomb to many other regions—the island of Astypalaea in the S... | The tomb of Achilles, extant throughout antiquity in Troad, was venerated by Thessalians, but also by Persian expeditionary forces, as well as by Alexander the Great and the Roman emperor Caracalla. Achilles' cult was also to be found at other places, e. g. on the island of Astypalaea in the Sporades, in Sparta which h... |
Greeks living on the northern Black Sea coast appear to have held Achilles in particularly high regard. Early worship is documented in Olbia, a colony founded by Milesians, and on an island in the Black Sea now thought to be Snake Island. From the sixth century BC onward, inscribed offerings and graffiti discovered in ... | The spread and intensity of the hero's veneration among the Greeks that had settled on the northern coast of the Pontus Euxinus, today's Black Sea, appears to have been remarkable. An archaic cult is attested for the Milesian colony of Olbia as well as for an island in the middle of the Black Sea, today identified with... |
In his Natural History, Pliny the Elder mentions a harbor and an island associated with Achilles, famous for his tomb and located near Olbia and the mouth of the Dnieper and Bug rivers. He also describes a sword-shaped peninsula about 125 Roman miles away, called the Racecourse of Achilles, said to be where the hero tr... | Pliny the Elder (23 79 AD) in his Natural History mentions a "port of the Ach i" and an "island of Achilles", famous for the tomb of that "man" (), situated somewhat nearby Olbia and the Dnieper-Bug Estuary; furthermore, at 125 Roman miles from this island, he places a peninsula "which stretches forth in the shape of a... |
The ancient geographer Dionysius Periegetes, likely from the first century CE, wrote that the island was named Leuce for its white animals, and that Achilles and other heroic souls dwelt there, wandering its empty valleys as a divine reward for their virtue and honor. Other sources connect the island's name to its whit... | The Greek geographer Dionysius Periegetes, who likely lived during the first century CE, wrote that the island was called Leuce "because the wild animals which live there are white. It is said that there, in Leuce island, reside the souls of Achilles and other heroes, and that they wander through the uninhabited valley... |
Several significant Greek harbor towns bore Achilles' name. Ancient writers including Herodotus, Pliny the Elder, and Strabo documented a settlement called Achilleion, established by colonists from Mytilene in the sixth century BC near the hero's supposed burial mound in the Troad. Historical records mention a second A... | A number of important commercial port cities of the Greek waters were dedicated to Achilles. Herodotus, Pliny the Elder and Strabo reported on the existence of a town Ach lleion ( ), built by settlers from Mytilene in the sixth century BC, close to the hero's presumed burial mound in the Troad. Later attestations point... |
The ruling family of Epirus claimed descent from Achilles through Neoptolemus, his son. Alexander the Great, whose mother came from Epirus, could therefore trace his lineage to Achilles and consciously modeled himself after this ancestor. He reportedly paid a visit to Achilles' tomb at Achilleion while passing through ... | The kings of Epirus claimed to be descended from Achilles through his son, Neoptolemus. Alexander the Great, son of the Epirote princess Olympias, could therefore also claim this descent, and in many ways strove to be like his great ancestor. He is said to have visited the tomb of Achilles at Achilleion while passing T... |
The ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus created a three-play cycle about Achilles, which modern scholars call the Achilleis. These dramas chronicle Achilles' actions during the Trojan War, including his victory over Hector and his death from an arrow shot by Paris and guided by Apollo that struck his heel. Surviving fra... | The Greek tragedian Aeschylus wrote a trilogy of plays about Achilles, given the title Achilleis by modern scholars. The tragedies relate the deeds of Achilles during the Trojan War, including his defeat of Hector and eventual death when an arrow shot by Paris and guided by Apollo punctures his heel. Extant fragments o... |
The philosopher Zeno of Elea built one of his famous logical problems around a hypothetical race between swift Achilles and a tortoise, arguing that despite his speed, Achilles could never overtake a tortoise with a head start, and therefore that motion itself cannot exist. Following the teachings of his mentor Parmeni... | Zeno The philosopher Zeno of Elea centred one of his paradoxes on an imaginary footrace between "swift-footed" Achilles and a tortoise, by which he attempted to show that Achilles could not catch up to a tortoise with a head start, and therefore that motion and change were impossible. As a student of the monist Parmeni... |
In Plato's dialogue Hippias Minor, a conceited character named Hippias debates with Socrates about truthfulness and deception. They conclude that intentional lying requires greater knowledge than unintentional lying, since a deliberate liar must understand the subject of their deception. Socrates supports this argument... | Plato In Hippias Minor, a Socratic dialogue attributed to Plato, an arrogant man named Hippias argues with Socrates. The two get into a discussion about lying. They decide that a person who is intentionally false must be "better" than a person who is unintentionally false, on the basis that someone who lies intentional... |
Roman and medieval writers typically viewed Achilles unfavorably, particularly since Romans traced their ancestry to Troy. Virgil describes Achilles as brutal and merciless toward men, while Horace portrays him slaughtering women and children without hesitation. Other Roman authors like Catullus, Propertius, and Ovid c... | In Roman and medieval literature The Romans, who traditionally traced their lineage to Troy, took a highly negative view of Achilles. Virgil refers to Achilles as a savage and a merciless butcher of men, while Horace portrays Achilles ruthlessly slaying women and children. Other writers, such as Catullus, Propertius, a... |
In 1890, Empress Elisabeth of Austria commissioned a summer residence on Corfu called the Achilleion, named for the legendary hero. The palace's artwork, including paintings and sculptures, portrays events from the Trojan War with emphasis on Achilles. The Wellington Monument, erected in 1822, is a statue of Achilles c... | In 1890, Elisabeth of Bavaria, Empress of Austria, had a summer palace built in Corfu. The building is named the Achilleion, after Achilles. Its paintings and statuary depict scenes from the Trojan War, with particular focus on Achilles. The Wellington Monument is a statue representing Achilles erected in 1822 as a mem... |
Since 1744, at least nine Royal Navy vessels have been named Achilles or Achille. A 60-gun ship with this name participated in the 1761 Battle of Belleisle, while a 74-gun ship fought at Trafalgar. Additional battle honors include participation in the 1809 Walcheren campaign. An armored cruiser bearing the name served ... | Namesakes The name of Achilles has been used for at least nine Royal Navy warships since 1744 both as and with the French spelling . A 60-gun ship of that name served at the Battle of Belleisle in 1761 while a 74-gun ship served at the Battle of Trafalgar. Other battle honours include Walcheren 1809. An armored cruiser... |
Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer and politician who became the 16th president, serving from 1861 until his murder in 1865. During his presidency, Lincoln guided the nation through the Civil War, preserved the Union, ended slavery, strengthened federal authority, and modernized... | Abraham Lincoln ( ; February 12, 1809 April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer, politician, and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the Union through the American Civil War to defend the nation as a constitutional union and succeeded in de... |
Lincoln successfully ran for reelection while seeking to reunite the war-damaged nation. Five days after the war concluded at Appomattox, on April 14, 1865, he attended a theatrical performance at Ford's Theatre in Washington with his wife when he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. Lincol... | Lincoln managed his own successful re-election campaign. He sought to heal the war-torn nation through reconciliation. On April 14, 1865, just five days after the war's end at Appomattox, he was attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Mary, when he was fatally shot by Confederate sympathi... |
Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809, as the second of Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln's children, in a cabin on Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. He descended from Samuel Lincoln, an Englishman who traveled from Hingham, Norfolk, to Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1638. The family subsequently moved west... | Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, the second child of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, in a log cabin on Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. He was a descendant of Samuel Lincoln, an Englishman who migrated from Hingham, Norfolk, to its namesake, Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1638. The fami... |
Thomas Lincoln accumulated Kentucky farmland before losing most of his holdings in legal disputes over ownership rights. In 1816, seeking more secure land titles, the family relocated to Indiana, then a free territory without slavery. They cleared land in an undeveloped forest in Hurricane Township, Perry County, India... | Thomas Lincoln bought or leased farms in Kentucky before losing all but of his land in court disputes over property titles. In 1816, the family moved to Indiana where the land surveys and titles were more reliable. Indiana was a "free" (non-slaveholding) territory, and they settled in an "unbroken forest" in Hurricane ... |
Throughout Kentucky and Indiana, Thomas worked in farming, cabinetmaking, and carpentry. He periodically owned property, kept livestock, held town lots, paid property taxes, served on juries, assessed property values, and participated in local militia patrols. Thomas and Nancy belonged to a Separate Baptist congregatio... | In Kentucky and Indiana, Thomas worked as a farmer, cabinetmaker, and carpenter. At various times, he owned farms, livestock, and town lots, paid taxes, sat on juries, appraised estates, and served on county patrols. Thomas and Nancy were members of a Separate Baptists church, which forbade alcohol, dancing, and slaver... |
Nancy Lincoln succumbed to milk sickness on October 5, 1818, leaving his 11-year-old sister Sarah responsible for the household, which included their father, 9-year-old Abraham, and their 19-year-old cousin Dennis Hanks, an orphan. Another tragedy struck a decade later when Sarah died in childbirth on January 20, 1828,... | Mother's death On October 5, 1818, Nancy Lincoln died from milk sickness, leaving 11-year-old Sarah in charge of a household including her father, 9-year-old Abraham, and Nancy's 19-year-old orphan cousin, Dennis Hanks. Ten years later, on January 20, 1828, Sarah died while giving birth to a stillborn son, devastating ... |
On December 2, 1819, Thomas married Sarah Bush Johnston, a widow from Kentucky with three children. Abraham developed a warm relationship with his stepmother, whom he addressed as "Mother". Lincoln found farm labor unpleasant and his family considered him idle because of his preference for "reading, writing, arithmetic... | On December 2, 1819, Thomas married Sarah Bush Johnston, a widow from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, with three children of her own. Abraham became close to his stepmother and called her "Mother". Lincoln disliked the hard labor associated with farm life. His family even said he was lazy, for all his "reading, scribbling, wr... |
Lincoln received little formal education. His schooling came from traveling teachers and consisted of brief periods in Kentucky, where he learned to read around age seven but probably not to write, and in Indiana, where he attended sporadically between farm duties, totaling fewer than 12 months by age 15. He remained d... | Education and move to Illinois Lincoln was largely self-educated. His formal schooling was from itinerant teachers. It included two short stints in Kentucky, where he learned to read but probably not to write, at age seven, and in Indiana, where he went to school sporadically due to farm chores, for a total of fewer th... |
As an adolescent, Lincoln handled household responsibilities and transferred all outside earnings to his father until reaching 21. Tall and strong, Lincoln developed considerable skill with an ax. He participated actively in wrestling, mastering the rough catch-as-catch-can wrestling style common at the time, and becam... | As a teen, Lincoln took responsibility for chores and customarily gave his father all earnings from work outside the home until he was 21. Lincoln was tall, strong, and athletic, and became adept at using an ax. He was an active wrestler during his youth and trained in the rough catch-as-catch-can style (also known as ... |
In March 1830, fearing another milk sickness outbreak, Abraham and extended family members moved westward to Illinois, a free state, settling in Macon County. His relationship with Thomas deteriorated as Lincoln increasingly resented his father's limited education. In 1831, while Thomas and family relocated to a new pr... | In March 1830, fearing another milk sickness outbreak, several members of the extended Lincoln family, including Abraham, moved west to Illinois, a free state, and settled in Macon County. Abraham then became increasingly distant from Thomas, in part due to his father's lack of education. In 1831, as Thomas and other f... |
Many believed Lincoln's initial romantic attachment was to Ann Rutledge, whom he met upon arriving in New Salem. Later accounts from witnesses lacked clear details of their relationship. After Rutledge died on August 25, 1835, apparently from typhoid fever, Lincoln fell into deep depression, reportedly troubled by the ... | Speculation persists that Lincoln's first romantic interest was Ann Rutledge, whom he met when he moved to New Salem. Witness testimony, given decades afterward, showed a lack of any specific recollection of a romance between the two. Rutledge died on August 25, 1835, most likely of typhoid fever; saying that he could ... |
During the early 1830s, Lincoln became acquainted with Mary Owens from Kentucky. Late in 1836, he proposed a relationship if she returned to New Salem. When Owens arrived that November, he courted her briefly, but both reconsidered. On August 16, 1837, Lincoln wrote her stating he would accept if she wished to end thin... | In the early 1830s, he met Mary Owens from Kentucky. Late in 1836, Lincoln agreed to a match with Owens if she returned to New Salem. Owens arrived that November and he courted her for a time; however, they both had second thoughts. On August 16, 1837, he wrote Owens a letter saying he would not blame her if she ended ... |
Lincoln encountered Mary Todd in Springfield in 1839, and they became engaged the following year. She was the daughter of Robert Smith Todd, a prosperous Kentucky lawyer and businessman. A planned January 1, 1841 wedding was postponed at Lincoln's request, but they reconnected and wed on November 4, 1842, at the Spring... | In 1839, Lincoln met Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois, and the following year they became engaged. She was the daughter of Robert Smith Todd, a wealthy lawyer and businessman in Lexington, Kentucky. A wedding set for January 1, 1841, was canceled at Lincoln's request, but they reconciled and married on November 4, 18... |
The loss of their sons Eddie and Willie profoundly affected both parents. Lincoln struggled with depression, a condition modern medicine now recognizes as clinical depression. Later, Mary suffered emotionally from losing her family members and was committed to an asylum briefly in 1875. | The deaths of their sons, Eddie and Willie, had profound effects on both parents. Lincoln suffered from "melancholy", a condition now thought to be clinical depression. Later in life, Mary struggled with the stresses of losing her husband and sons, and Robert committed her for a time to an asylum in 1875. |
During his initial political campaign following military service, Lincoln witnessed a crowd member being attacked, seized the attacker by his collar and pants, and threw him away. His campaign centered on improving navigation along the Sangamon River. Lincoln could entertain crowds with stories but lacked formal educat... | In his first campaign speech after returning from his military service, Lincoln observed a supporter in the crowd under attack, grabbed the assailant by his "neck and the seat of his trousers", and tossed him. In the campaign, Lincoln advocated for navigational improvements on the Sangamon River. He could draw crowds a... |
Lincoln served New Salem as postmaster and later as county surveyor, but his continued dedication to reading led him toward legal practice. Rather than apprenticing with an established lawyer as was typical, Lincoln borrowed legal documents from attorneys John Todd Stuart and Thomas Drummond, bought volumes including B... | Lincoln served as New Salem's postmaster and later as county surveyor, but continued his voracious reading and decided to become a lawyer. Rather than studying in the office of an established attorney, as was the custom, Lincoln borrowed legal texts from attorneys John Todd Stuart and Thomas Drummond, purchased books i... |
Lincoln's 1834 campaign for the Illinois state house as a Whig defeated a strong opponent. He then served four consecutive terms representing Sangamon County in the state legislature. He pushed for building the Illinois and Michigan Canal and later served as a Canal Commissioner. He supported expanding voting rights to... | Lincoln's second state house campaign in 1834, this time as a Whig, was a success over a powerful Whig opponent. Then followed his four terms in the Illinois House of Representatives for Sangamon County. He championed construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and later was a Canal Commissioner. He voted to expan... |
Lincoln was licensed to practice law in Illinois on September 9, 1836, and relocated to Springfield to work under John T. Stuart, who was related to Mary Todd. He became known as a skilled trial lawyer, particularly effective during witness questioning and final arguments. He worked with Stephen T. Logan for several ye... | He was admitted to the Illinois bar on September 9, 1836, and moved to Springfield and began to practice law under John T. Stuart, Mary Todd's cousin. Lincoln emerged as a formidable trial combatant during cross-examinations and closing arguments. He partnered several years with Stephen T. Logan, and in 1844 began his ... |
On January 27, 1838, the twenty-eight-year-old Lincoln gave his first important public address at Springfield's Lyceum following the killing of newspaper publisher Elijah Parish Lovejoy in Alton. Lincoln stated that no foreign military power could defeat America as a nation, declaring, "It cannot come from abroad. If d... | On January 27, 1838, Abraham Lincoln, then twenty-eight years old, delivered his first major speech at the Lyceum in Springfield, Illinois, after the murder of newspaper editor Elijah Parish Lovejoy in Alton. Lincoln warned that no trans-Atlantic military giant could ever crush us as a nation. "It cannot come from abro... |
In 1843, Lincoln sought the Whig nomination for Congress from Illinois' 7th district but lost to John J. Hardin, though he successfully pushed to limit Hardin to just one term. Lincoln achieved his goal of winning the nomination in 1846 and won the election. He was the only Whig representative from Illinois but was as ... | In 1843, Lincoln sought the Whig nomination for Illinois' 7th district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives; he was defeated by John J. Hardin though he prevailed with the party in limiting Hardin to one term. Lincoln not only pulled off his strategy of gaining the nomination in 1846 but also won the election. He ... |
Regarding foreign and military issues, Lincoln opposed the Mexican American War, which he blamed on President James K. Polk's desire for "military glory that attractive rainbow, that rises in showers of blood." He backed the Wilmot Proviso, an unsuccessful attempt to prevent slavery from spreading to territories conque... | Political views On foreign and military policy, Lincoln spoke against the Mexican American War, which he imputed to President James K. Polk's desire for "military glory that attractive rainbow, that rises in showers of blood". He supported the Wilmot Proviso, a failed proposal to ban slavery in any U.S. territory won f... |
Lincoln criticized Polk further by proposing his Spot Resolutions. The conflict started when Mexican soldiers killed American troops in contested land, with Polk claiming Mexican forces had invaded American territory and killed American citizens on American soil. Lincoln demanded that Polk identify the exact location w... | Lincoln emphasized his opposition to Polk by drafting and introducing his Spot Resolutions. The war had begun with a killing of American soldiers by Mexican cavalry patrol in disputed territory, and Polk insisted that Mexican soldiers had "invaded our territory and shed the blood of our fellow-citizens on our own soil.... |
Lincoln had promised in 1846 to serve only one term in the House. Doubting that Clay could win the presidency, he backed General Zachary Taylor for the Whig presidential nomination in 1848. Taylor won and Lincoln wanted to be appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office but was turned down. The administration offe... | Lincoln had pledged in 1846 to serve only one term in the House. Realizing Clay was unlikely to win the presidency, he supported General Zachary Taylor for the Whig nomination in the 1848 presidential election. Taylor won and Lincoln hoped in vain to be appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office. The administrat... |
In Springfield, Lincoln's law practice covered "every kind of business that could come before a prairie lawyer." He spent 10 weeks each year for 16 years traveling to county courthouses in the central Illinois region to handle cases. Lincoln worked on transportation disputes amid the nation's westward growth, particula... | In his Springfield practice, Lincoln handled "every kind of business that could come before a prairie lawyer". Twice a year he appeared for 10 consecutive weeks in county seats in the Midstate county courts; this continued for 16 years. Lincoln handled transportation cases in the midst of the nation's western expansion... |
Lincoln defended William "Duff" Armstrong in an 1858 murder trial for the killing of James Preston Metzker. The case became famous when Lincoln challenged a witness's credibility by using a farmer's almanac to show the moon was too low in the sky for the witness to have clearly seen the crime. Armstrong was found not g... | Lincoln argued in an 1858 criminal trial, defending William "Duff" Armstrong, who was on trial for the murder of James Preston Metzker. The case is famous for Lincoln's use of a fact established by judicial notice to challenge the credibility of an eyewitness. After an opposing witness testified to seeing the crime in ... |
Before his presidential campaign, Lincoln raised his national profile defending Simeon Quinn "Peachy" Harrison in an 1859 murder case. Harrison was Lincoln's distant cousin and grandson of Lincoln's political rival, Rev. Peter Cartwright. Harrison was accused of killing Greek Crafton, who admitted before dying that he ... | Leading up to his presidential campaign, Lincoln elevated his profile in an 1859 murder case, with his defense of Simeon Quinn "Peachy" Harrison who was a third cousin; Harrison was also the grandson of Lincoln's political opponent, Rev. Peter Cartwright. Harrison was charged with the murder of Greek Crafton who, as he... |
Disagreement over slavery in new territories didn't reduce conflict between Southern slave states and Northern free states, despite the failed Compromise of 1850, meant to settle the matter. In his 1852 speech honoring Clay, Lincoln praised Clay's backing of gradual emancipation and his rejection of slavery extremism. ... | The debate over the status of slavery in the territories failed to alleviate tensions between the slave-holding South and the free North, with the failure of the Compromise of 1850, a legislative package designed to address the issue. In his 1852 eulogy for Clay, Lincoln highlighted the latter's support for gradual ema... |
Lincoln didn't respond to the act until his "Peoria Speech" in October 1854. He announced his opposition to slavery, which he maintained throughout his rise to the presidency. He said the Kansas Act showed a "declared indifference, but as I must think, a covert real zeal for the spread of slavery. I cannot but hate it.... | Lincoln did not comment on the act until months later in his "Peoria Speech" of October 1854. Lincoln then declared his opposition to slavery, which he repeated en route to the presidency. He said the Kansas Act had a "declared indifference, but as I must think, a covert real zeal for the spread of slavery. I cannot bu... |
Nationally, the Whig Party collapsed due to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and other slavery compromise efforts. Reflecting on his party's collapse, Lincoln wrote in 1855, "I think I am a Whig, but others say there are no Whigs, and that I am an abolitionist.... I do no more than oppose the extension of slavery." The Republic... | Nationally, the Whigs were irreparably split by the Kansas Nebraska Act and other efforts to compromise on the slavery issue. Reflecting on the demise of his party, Lincoln wrote in 1855, "I think I am a Whig, but others say there are no Whigs, and that I am an abolitionist.... I do no more than oppose the extension of... |
Lincoln was elected to the Illinois legislature in 1854 but refused to take the seat. The election results showed strong opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, prompting Lincoln to run for the U.S. Senate instead. State legislatures chose senators at that time. Lincoln led in the first six voting rounds but couldn't re... | In 1854, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois legislature but declined to take his seat. The year's elections showed the strong opposition to the Kansas Nebraska Act, and in the aftermath, Lincoln sought election to the United States Senate. At that time, senators were elected by the state legislature. After leading in ... |
Violence continued in Kansas and northern opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act remained strong approaching the 1856 elections. Lincoln joined the Republicans and attended the Bloomington Convention, which founded the Illinois Republican Party. The platform supported Congress's power to control slavery in territories a... | 1856 campaign Violent political confrontations in Kansas continued, and opposition to the Kansas Nebraska Act remained strong throughout the North. As the 1856 elections approached, Lincoln joined the Republicans and attended the Bloomington Convention, which formally established the Illinois Republican Party. The conv... |
Douglas faced re-election to the U.S. Senate in 1858, and Lincoln wanted to defeat him. Party members believed a former Whig should run in 1858, and Lincoln had earned party support through his 1856 work for Trumbull. Some eastern Republicans favored Douglas for opposing the Lecompton Constitution and slavery in Kansas... | In 1858, Douglas was up for re-election in the U.S. Senate, and Lincoln hoped to defeat him. Many in the party felt that a former Whig should be nominated in 1858, and Lincoln's 1856 campaigning and support of Trumbull had earned him a favor. Some eastern Republicans supported Douglas for his opposition to the Lecompto... |
Lincoln eagerly accepted the nomination and gave his House Divided Speech, referencing the Bible verse Mark 3:25: "A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved I do not expect the house to fall but I ... | Lincoln accepted the nomination with great enthusiasm and zeal. After his nomination he delivered his House Divided Speech, with the biblical reference Mark 3:25, "A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be d... |
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