James O. Horton of George Washington University contrasts the Eastern radical abolitionist views of slavery, epitomized by those of William Lloyd Garrison, with the more conservative views on race relations held in Illinois—from which Abraham Lincoln developed his own views.

To listen to this clip, select "Abolitionism in Antebellum Illinois" under "African-American Experience Video."

Julie Roy Jeffrey of Goucher College discusses women's increasing involvement in politics in the antebellum U.S., focusing on their involvement in circulating and supporting anti-slavery petitions and publications and arranging events to support abolitionism.

Julie Roy Jeffrey of Goucher College discusses the formation of abolitionist societies in the antebellum U.S., focusing particularly on the formation of such societies by women.

To view this clip, scroll to "The Formation of Anti-slavery Societies in the Antebellum North" under "African-American Experience Video."

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.