Meaning: Abraham Lincoln's quote, "I was losing interest in politics, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise aroused me again. What I have done since then is pretty well known," reflects a pivotal moment in his political career and highlights the significance of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise in shaping his future actions and legacy.

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a crucial legislative measure aimed at addressing the issue of slavery expansion in the United States. It sought to maintain a balance between free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while also drawing a line across the Louisiana Territory, stipulating that slavery would be prohibited north of the 36°30' parallel.

The repeal of the Missouri Compromise occurred with the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854. This act, introduced by Senator Stephen A. Douglas, effectively nullified the restrictions on slavery in the region and allowed the settlers in the Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty. This decision reignited the debate over the expansion of slavery and further intensified the sectional tensions between the North and the South.

For Abraham Lincoln, the repeal of the Missouri Compromise marked a turning point in his political engagement. Prior to this event, he had been disenchanted with the political landscape and had retreated from active involvement. However, the repeal reignited his passion for politics and compelled him to reemerge as a prominent figure in the anti-slavery movement.

Following the repeal, Lincoln's public opposition to the expansion of slavery gained momentum, and he emerged as a leading voice within the newly formed Republican Party. His impassioned speeches and debates, particularly the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, solidified his reputation as a staunch opponent of the spread of slavery into the western territories.

The significance of this quote lies in its depiction of Lincoln's personal and political reawakening in response to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. It underscores the profound impact of this legislative decision on shaping the course of Lincoln's subsequent actions and contributions to American politics.

Subsequently, Lincoln's steadfast commitment to the preservation of the Union and the eventual abolition of slavery culminated in his election as the 16th President of the United States in 1860. His presidency was marked by the tumultuous period of the Civil War, during which he navigated the nation through the gravest crisis in its history and ultimately issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring the freedom of all enslaved individuals in the Confederate states.

Ultimately, Abraham Lincoln's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of political events and their ability to reignite the passion and determination of individuals. The repeal of the Missouri Compromise not only reignited Lincoln's interest in politics but also propelled him to become one of the most revered and influential leaders in American history.