What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• freed the slaves optional: (Emancipation Proclamation)
• saved optional: (or preserved) the Union
• led the United States during the Civil War

Our explanation

Lincoln led the United States during the Civil War. The North won, so the Union (the United States as one country) was saved. Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation (emancipation means freedom). It freed slaves in most Southern states.

Remember it

Picture Lincoln holding a broken chain (freed the slaves) and a whole map (saved the Union).

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide pp. 59–60. Quote (p. 60): “Abraham Lincoln led the United States during the Civil War.” / “The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves in most Southern states.”

• Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (2008 version), rev. 08/21 (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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