What significant action did Abraham Lincoln take during his presidency?

One of the most significant actions taken by Abraham Lincoln during his presidency was the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate-held territory. This landmark decision not only redefined the purpose of the Civil War by adding the abolition of slavery to the Union's war goals but also paved the way for the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery throughout the United States. Lincoln's commitment to ending slavery was a central aspect of his legacy and had lasting impacts on American society and civil rights, shaping the nation's trajectory toward greater equality.