Eric Foner of Columbia University outlines the arguments Abraham Lincoln (and other Northerners) articulated in favor of free labor, as well as the arguments Southerners presented against free labor and in favor of a slave economy.
To listen to this clip, select "Abraham Lincoln and the Idea of Free Labor" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."
James O. Horton of George Washington University discusses Abraham Lincoln's consideration of establishing African colonies as a solution to race tensions in the U.S. and African-American reactions to suggestions of the establishment of such colonies.
To listen to this clip, select "Abraham Lincoln and the African-American Colonization Movement" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."
James O. Horton of George Washington University describes Abraham Lincoln's reaction to first viewing slavery in action on plantations, and discusses his changing views on slavery and what that ability to change says about him as a man and a president.
To view this clip, select to "Abraham Lincoln's Changing Attitude Towards Slavery" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."
James O. Horton of George Washington University describes the Kansas-Nebraska Act and reactions to it, including the fear that the spread of slavery into the territories would take labor and land-owning opportunities away from free workers.
To view this clip, select "Abraham Lincoln and the Kansas-Nebraska Act" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."
John Mack Faragher of Yale University describes the religious environment in central Illinois during Abraham Lincoln's lifetime, focusing on the importance of church involvement to communities.
To view this clip, select "Lincoln's Religious Beliefs" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."
Michael Johnson of John Hopkins University discusses Lincoln's response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, including his personal animosity towards Stephen Douglas as a possible motivating factor.
To view this clip, select "Abraham Lincoln and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."
Michael Johnson of John Hopkins University discusses Lincoln's views on race, focusing on his favoring of colonization as a solution to race tensions.
To view this clip, select "Lincoln's Ideas About Race" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."
Michael Johnson of John Hopkins University considers how Abraham Lincoln should be viewed as a historical figure, as a president, and as a man making difficult decisions.
To view this clip, select "Abraham Lincoln as Historical Figure" under "Abraham Lincoln's Biography Video."
Hillary Rodham Clinton discusses her life and experiences, including the development of her original interest in politics, her thoughts on history education, her perception of the role of First Lady, her campaign for Senator, challenges she sees facing the U.S. in the future, what she believes is required in a leader to address these problems, and some thoughts on the George W. Bush administration.
To listen to this interview, scroll to "Hillary Rodham Clinton" and select "Watch the Video."
Professor David Henkin reviews the life and beliefs of Andrew Jackson, contemporary Jacksonians' views of democracy, and modern-day views of his character and presidency.