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 Abraham Lincoln's preference, pre-Civil War, for the establishment of African colonies as a solution to race tensions in the U.S.; and looks at his movement away from this solution during the Civil War.
To view this clip, select "Abraham Lincoln and the Problem of Race and Slavery" 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."
Historian Tom Belton guides viewers through the North Carolina Museum of History exhibit "North Carolina and the Civil War." Progressing through the war chronologically, Belton describes both military and civilian life in North Carolina during the war, briefly highlighting several of the major battles in which North Carolina was involved. This presentation is divided into 31 short subchapters, which can be accessed separately.
Professor Clarence Walker details the 1857 U.S. Supreme Court case Dred Scott v. Sandford, in which the Court ruled that individuals of African descent could not be U.S. citizens and that the federal government could not prohibit slavery in the territories. He examines the significance of this case in U.S. history and also previous racist rulings in the U.S.
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 Clarence Walker reviews the life of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, drawing on Douglass's first autobiography.
Dr. Steven Mintz narrates a general overview of U.S. history, beginning with colonialism and the American Revolution. The presentation focuses on the themes of freedom and equality and the struggle by minorities for both.
To watch this video, scroll to "Flash Movies." From there, select "An Overview of American History."
Professor James M. McPherson analyzes the many different causes of the Civil War, including slavery, leadership decisions, and cultural differences. He focuses on the question "Why did secession lead to war?" as a framework for discussion. This lecture continues from the lecture "The Causes of the Civil War, Part One."