Abstract:From ancient time to the present, no matter in our country or in other countries, historical figures have influenced the time they lived in, and vice versa. Therefore, there is a proverb which goes, “Times make heroes, while heroes shape times.” As far as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln –the two great presidents in the history of the USA –are concerned, this proverb serves rightly. By narration and contrast, this thesis is to discuss the great contributions these two figures did. Meanwhile, by doing so, we may achieve a better conception about American history, and cast a new light on the American convention.

Key words: comparison; George Washington; Abraham Lincoln; personality; contributions

摘要:无论是古今中外，历史上的杰出人物和他们所处的时代无不互相影响着，从而有了中西方都普遍流行的一句俗语：“时势造英雄”。放眼美国历史上的两位总统—华盛顿和林肯以及他们所处的年代，这句话得到了很好的验证。

　　本文将通过论述和对比的手法探讨这两个不同时期的人物如何为美国的独立和发展做出贡献。与此同时，我们也将对美国的历史可进行纵深的了解，从而能更好地理解美国及其人民的传统和文化。

关键词：比照; 乔治•华盛顿;亚伯拉罕•林肯; 性格; 历史贡献