Who was the President of the United States that abolished slavery?

Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States who is widely credited with abolishing slavery through his leadership during the Civil War and the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This landmark document declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free, marking a significant step toward the ultimate abolition of slavery in the United States. Lincoln's efforts culminated in the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865, which formally abolished slavery throughout the country.

In contrast, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, while being prominent figures in early American history and both owning enslaved individuals, did not take action to abolish slavery during their presidencies. Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, faced the challenge of Reconstruction but did not focus on the abolition of slavery as Lincoln did, as it was already established by the time he took office. This historical context emphasizes Lincoln’s crucial role in ending the practice of slavery in America.