People who changed the United States

Nineteenth Century

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was US president 1861-1865. He led the union into a civil war to prevent a split between states in the north and south. During the war, Lincoln also promoted a bill to end slavery in the United States.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882) was a leading poet, Transcendentalist and influential philosopher. He espoused no fixed doctrine but expanded on ideas of freedom, nature and the possibilities of man.
Margaret Fuller (1810 – 1850) was a leading proponent of women’s rights. She was the first woman to be editor of New York Tribune and wrote influential articles on books on women’s rights and progressive social policies.
Susan B Anthony. (1820 – 1906) Anthony was a campaigner for civil rights and women’s suffrage. Anthony was one of the most influential women activists who helped secure women the right to vote.
Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811 – 1896) – Author who helped popularise the anti-slavery movement. Her book ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ depicted life under slavery and helped to mobilise public opinion in the North against slavery.
Walt Whitman (1819 – 1892) – Poet who provided a bridge between Transcendentalism and realism. Considered America’s first great poet.