Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz discusses a photograph of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural, in which some people claim they can see John Wilkes Booth, and briefly outlines the stories of Booth's presence at the inaugural.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz discusses Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address, pointing out that research has revealed that some of the phrases in the speech were suggested to Lincoln by others, while at the same time praising Lincoln's self-taught prose writing style.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz looks at an early photograph taken of James Buchanan's inauguration. He discusses both the technology involved in taking the photograph and the construction work in D.C. that the photograph captured.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz describes William Henry Harrison's death one month after assuming office, due to pneumonia caught while delivering his inaugural address, and the precedent set by Vice President John Tyler's assumption of full presidential powers after Harrison's death.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz looks at the party system and tensions that developed at the end of the 18th century, and notes the precedent for the peaceful transition of political power that Jefferson set in his first inaugural speech.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz outlines the proceedings of the United States' first presidential inauguration, and points out the precedents that George Washington set during the ceremony.

This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, examines several years of Abraham Lincoln's life, including Lincoln's continued opposition of Stephen Douglas's political views; his rise to presidential candidacy; the fevered presidential race that followed; the secession of Southern states in reaction to his election; and his First Inaugural Address. This lecture continues from the lecture "Lincoln's Biography, Part Seven: Debating Douglas on the National Stage, 1857-1858."

To view this documentary, scroll to "Multimedia Slideshows," and select "The Campaign of the Century, 1859-1861."

James O. Horton of George Washington University highlights the development of slavery into a regional issue, which came to divide the North and the South increasingly in the years prior to the Civil War.

To view this clip, select "Slavery and the Sectional Crisis of 1850" under "African-American Experience Video."

Gerald Prokopowicz of the Lincoln Museum examines Lincoln's development of a political language balanced between formal oratory and direct speech.

To view this clip, scroll to "Lincoln's Political Rhetoric and the Growth of American Democracy" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."