Professor Allen C. Guelzo traces Abraham Lincoln's views and political decisions regarding slavery, leading finally up to the Emancipation Proclamation. He questions and explores the text and Lincoln's possible intentions in writing it, looking at the context within which it was written. Guelzo also focuses on changing perceptions of the Proclamation, from admiration to criticism, and looks at why this change occurred. This lecture continues from the lecture "The Emancipation Moment: Abraham Lincoln and the First of January, 1863, Part One."

Professor Allen C. Guelzo traces Abraham Lincoln's views and political decisions regarding slavery, leading finally up to the Emancipation Proclamation. He questions and explores the text and Lincoln's possible intentions in writing it, looking at the context within which it was written.

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."

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.

Professors Sidney Milkis and Marc Landy look at Abraham Lincoln's presidency, examining his roles as both president and party leader, the significance of the Gettysburg Address, and perception of him today.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Tuesday, July 13th, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm session; and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.

Professors Mackubin T. Owens and Lucas E. Morel discuss Lincoln's second Inaugural Address and his second election as President. They examine what Lincoln's view for the future of the nation was, and also discuss the Northern and Southern troops' and generals' views of each other.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Friday, June 25th, 10:45 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.

Older versions of this lecture, from newer to older, can be found here and 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 Abraham Lincoln's actions as president in relation to civil rights and liberties. Owen considers whether Lincoln abused his presidential powers and deprived citizens of civil liberties without justification or whether his actions were appropriate and justified. He also includes some preliminary discussion of Lincoln's military strategy during the war.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Thursday, June 24th, 10:45 am-12:15 pm 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 can be found here and here.

Professor Mackubin T. Owens details the Civil War campaigns—not just the battles—surrounding Vicksburg and Gettysburg. He looks at the choices and strategies of the generals involved in these campaigns.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Thursday, June 24th, 9:00 am-10:30 am session; and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.