What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?

Abraham Lincoln played a pivotal role in American history, particularly through actions that led to the emancipation of enslaved people and his efforts to preserve the Union during the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Lincoln in 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free, a significant step towards abolishing slavery in the United States. Additionally, Lincoln's leadership helped to navigate the country through one of its most challenging times, ensuring that the Union remained intact.

The other options reference events or policies associated with different figures or periods in U.S. history. The establishment of the Federal Reserve occurred in 1913, long after Lincoln's presidency. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, well before Lincoln's time, and primarily associated with figures like Thomas Jefferson. The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s to address the Great Depression. These historical events and figures differ significantly from Lincoln's key contributions, highlighting why his actions to free the slaves and save the Union are considered one of his most important legacies.