The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, is significant for several reasons. It occurred just days after the end of the Civil War, and Lincoln's death marked a tragic turning point in American history. His leadership had been pivotal in preserving the Union and abolishing slavery, embodied in the Emancipation Proclamation and the push for the 13th Amendment. Lincoln's assassination created a power vacuum and fueled national grief, leading to increased tensions during Reconstruction. His loss raised questions about the future of unity, civil rights, and the rebuilding of a nation deeply divided by war.