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.

Professor Lucas E. Morel examines the life and views of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, especially his views of the U.S. Constitution and of the condition of African Americans and the fight for civil rights both before and after the Civil War, as revealed in his writings and speeches. This lecture continues from the lecture "Frederick Douglass, Part One."

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Monday, August 2nd, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm session; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professor Diana Schaub reviews the life and views of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, particularly his criticism of emigration of freed slaves as a solution to race relations in the U.S. and his own views on how race relations could be improved.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Monday, August 2nd, 10:50 am-12:15 pm session; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professor Diana Schaub looks at the views of free blacks (prior to the Civil War and emancipation) who supported emigration of free blacks and freed slaves to Africa or elsewhere away from the U.S. She considers why they believed emigration was the best choice for African Americans.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Monday, August 2nd, 9:00 am-10:30 am session; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professor Mackubin T. Owens looks at the role of African-American soldiers in the Civil War and the effects of the Emancipation Proclamation on the U.S. African-American population in general.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Friday, June 25th, 9:00 am-10:30 am session; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to teh left of the main body of text.

Older versions of this lecture, from newer to older, can be found here and here.

Professor Mackubin T. Owens looks at the issue of the Southern states' secession prior to the Civil War. He considers whether Lincoln was justified in declaring war on the seceding states and what the arguments were both in favor of and against secession.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, June 23rd, 10:45 am-12:15 pm session; and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.

Older versions of this lecture, from newer to older, can be found here and here.

Professor Lucas E. Morel looks at the presidential campaign and election of 1860, in which Abraham Lincoln was elected President. The lecture also includes some examination of the 1858 Senate campaign debates between Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesay, June 23rd, 9:00 am-10:30 am session; and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Older versions of this lecture, from newer to older, can be found here and here.

Professor Lucas E. Morel details the debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in the 1858 campaign for an Illinois seat in the United States Senate. Morel looks at the discussion of slavery in these debates and examines Frederick Douglass's thoughts on the African-American condition at this time.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Tuesday, June 22nd, 10:45 am-12:15 pm session; and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professor Lucas E. Morel looks at the views of slavery and abolitionism that preceded the Civil War, including those of Abraham Lincoln, William Lloyd Garrison, and Frederick Douglass.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Monday, June 21st, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm session; and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.