Michael Johnson of the John Hopkins University discusses the lives and origins of free African Americans in the North prior to the Civil War, looking particularly at the Northern reaction to the Fugitive Slave Law.

To view this clip, scroll to "Free Blacks in the Antebellum North" under "African-American Experience Video."

Eric Foner of Columbia University discusses the religious base of many abolitionists' beliefs; and contrasts it to Lincoln's antislavery position, based on concepts from the Declaration of Independence and the idea of free labor.

To listen to this clip, scroll to "Abraham Lincoln and the Roots of the Abolitionist Movement" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."

Eric Foner of Columbia University discusses the perception of abolitionism in central Illinois, where Lincoln grew up, and Lincoln's own perceptions of slavery and of abolitionism.

To view to this clip, select "Lincoln and Abolitionism" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."

Professor Shirley Moore details the stories of several African-American women in the West in the 1800s and early 1900s, including abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant (?-1904) and nurse and businesswoman Bridget "Biddy" Mason (1818-1891). Moore looks at the history of African Americans in the West more generally, as well.

Professor David Henkin explores Antebellum views on slavery, both in opposition to it and in favor of it. He also examines modern perceptions of slavery in history.

Professor Kevin Adams reviews the life of Abraham Lincoln, considering the contradictions of his decisions and views on race and in politics. Adams looks at how these contradictions reflected and fit into the context of Lincoln's times.

Professor Caroline Cox reviews the life of activist Dorothea Dix (1802-1887), who fought for reform in the treatment of mental patients and served as Superintendent of Army Nurses during the Civil War. She focuses particularly on the difficulties in separating mythology and folklore from truth in tracing Dix's life. Cox also compares and contrasts Dix with the Grimke sisters, Sarah Grimke (1792-1873) and Angelina Grimke Weld (1805-1879), Quakers who worked for both abolition and women's rights.

Professor Richard S. Ruderman explores slavery as a political issue prior to the Civil War, focusing on how it divided both politicians and the public and helped lead to the war. He uses the viewpoint of James Buchanan as a frame, while also looking at the lives, views, and writings of abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass. This lecture continues from the lecture "Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, Part One."