What was one major action taken by Abraham Lincoln?

One major action taken by Abraham Lincoln was the emancipation of enslaved individuals, particularly through the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This landmark executive order declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were to be set free, marking a significant turning point in American history. It aligned the Union's war efforts with the moral imperative of ending slavery and aimed to weaken the Confederacy's ability to sustain its military operations by depriving it of labor.

The Emancipation Proclamation not only provided a clear statement of human rights but also paved the way for the eventual passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States overall. This was a profound step towards ensuring freedom and equality, setting the stage for civil rights advancements in the future. By taking this action, Lincoln solidified his legacy as a leader committed to justice and equality.