[goldstategop]

Abraham Lincoln as the first Republican President ended slavery and saved the Union. He was the father of the American nation. Before 1860, most people saw themselves first as citizens of their state and only then as Americans. After 1865, it was clear there was only one nationality: American. The Civil War settled the identity of the country.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[miliantnutcase]

And big government was born...

[Gator113]

“The Civil War settled the identity of the country.”

Will the next, do the same.....

[microgood]

He was the father of the American nation. Before 1860, most people saw themselves first as citizens of their state and only then as Americans. After 1865, it was clear there was only one nationality: American. The Civil War settled the identity of the country.

Ironically, at the same time he was preserving the country, he was driving the first major stake into the heart of the Constitution.

His success marked the beginning of the end of the Republic. He saved it only to ensure its eventual destruction.

[King of Card Games]

He was the father of the American nation. Before 1860, most people saw themselves first as citizens of their state and only then as Americans. After 1865, it was clear there was only one nationality: American.

A big swing towards the federal government. Woo....hoo?

[JSteff]

” After 1865, it was clear there was only one nationality: American.”

What a crime. Is that something to rate him as the greatest presidents?

Washington was a great man and the greatest president. He set a standard few have equaled.

[this_ol_patriot]

...He was the father of the American nation. Before 1860, most people saw themselves first as citizens of their state and only then as Americans. After 1865, it was clear there was only one nationality: American. The Civil War settled the identity of the country.

We are the UNITED STATES of America, state first then country, of course since we are one big happy family there is not much use for States when all we need is a big brother watching over us.

[Non-Sequitur]

He was the father of the American nation. Before 1860, most people saw themselves first as citizens of their state and only then as Americans. After 1865, it was clear there was only one nationality: American.

Some people were under no misconceptions from the beginning.

"Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes." - George Washington, 1796