The sacrifice Abraham Lincoln gave to the country involved not only his time, but also his life. Before his death, Lincoln became known for many things: a leader, an orator, and a martyr. There is extensive research into his life on the type of man he was and was to become during the war. He had to transform himself from a lawyer to a man willing to go above and beyond for his homeland. Many argue that he was a God-fearing man, others that he did not even have a God to believe in. The main idea, although remaining constant during the war, was his great desire to keep the Union united. Other views had to grow and progress just as Lincoln had to do until his death. Lincoln's call for a strong Union was seen in reading through his works long before the Cooper Union speech that launched him to the presidency, and particularly in his "House Divided." speech (Witt). In this speech it was also found that the argument that Lincoln was an atheist could be quickly dismissed. In his speech, Lincoln used popular biblical quotes and was known for calling on his countrymen to hold the nation together. He knew that the nation could not remain strong with the division between those who had slaves and those who did not. Nationalism was considered an important attribute of Lincoln because he was able to see what was best for the American people, a trait that helped others view him as a potential presidential candidate. In March 1860, a war had not even crossed the mind. among many others, even as secession increasingly became an option for Southern states. The Republican Party was still new, but looking for someone to be its candidate. Abraham Lincoln, a self-taught lawyer, needed a good speech to get him closer to middle of paper......considered a man of true character, even at the end of the war he pleaded with the Northerners to take the broken South in their arms and help it rebuild (Anonymous). All because he so ardently wished that they could become a stronger American people, growing from their mistakes as many before them must have done. Throughout his life, there was never any doubt that Lincoln desired to form a more perfect Union as men before him had so desired. “http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/abraham-lincoln.” th historical channel. February 17, 2013. Lincoln, Abraham. “Cooper Union Address.” February 27, 1860.—. “Gettysberg address.” November 19, 1863.—. “Second Inaugural Address.” March 4, 1865.Witt, John Fabian. “Lincoln changes the rules of war.” American History Vol. 47 Number 6 (2013): 60-65. First in academic research.