Abraham Lincoln: Preserving the Union (2 Parts)

Honest, eloquent and courageous, he risked everything to save a young America from self-destruction, and paid the ultimate price. This unforgettable program tells the complete story of Abraham Lincoln, from the rustic childhood that forged his beliefs to the tough campaign that made him president. Historians examine the difficult leadership choices of his turbulent first term and the Civil War, as well as his bouts with depression and his troubled marriage to Mary Todd. Join BIOGRAPHY for an extraordinary look at a leader who brilliantly answered the call of history. Abraham Lincoln: Preserving the Union would be useful for classes on American History, Civil War History, American Culture and Civics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES
Students will examine the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. They will explore the trials and tribulations of the Civil War, and the problem of slavery that destroyed the Union. They will also learn about the man behind the image of the 16th president.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS
Abraham Lincoln: Preserving the Union fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 4, 5 and 6.

• Confederate
• anarchy
• compensate
• consecrate
• emphatic
• euphoria
• foray
• indulgent
• maxim
• nemesis
• obscurity
• oratorical
• provisions
• rapport
• referendum
• rudimentary
• secession
• self-deprecating
• stimulus
• succumb
• tocsin
• trivial

1. Lincoln’s father was an abusive man who treated Lincoln poorly when he was a child. How did Lincoln’s father’s abusive behavior influence Lincoln’s attitudes toward slavery?

2. Lincoln had a gift for telling stories. How did this ability help make him popular?

3. Lincoln grew up on a farm and worked as a shopkeeper, then a lawyer. How and why did Lincoln become a politician?

4. How did Lincoln get his lawyer’s license? Would he be able to do this today?

5. Lincoln’s nickname, “Honest Abe,” is still associated with him. How did he get this nickname? What does it say about his character?

6. How is it possible that a slave market existed a few steps away from the Capitol in the 1800s?

7. From colonization to 1865, America practiced slavery. How did slavery finally tear the nation apart?

8. When Lincoln was elected to the presidency in 1860, the South seceded from the Union. Why did his election cause the South to secede?

9. After Lincoln’s election, he was smuggled into the White House. Why did he enter the White House in secrecy? What did this do to his image?

10. The Civil War was the bloodiest war in America’s history. What were the causes of this great war?

11. Although he abhorred slavery personally, Lincoln did not make abolition an official aim of the Civil War. Why?

12. How does a civil war differ from a war between two separate nations? What is the special tragedy of a civil war?

13. Although Lincoln believed in emancipation, he did not believe that African Americans and white Americans could live together. What was Lincoln’s proposal for emancipated slaves?

14. What were some of the reactions to the Emancipation Proclamation?

15. Over 150,000 African Americans fought in the Union Army. How did the performance of these soldiers alter Lincoln’s perceptions about African Americans?

16. Why was Mary Todd Lincoln known as “her satanic majesty” to the White House staff?

17. John Wilkes Booth, one of America’s most famous actors, assassinated Abraham Lincoln in the Ford Theater while the president watched a play. Why did Booth assassinate Lincoln? What did Booth’s words “sic semper tyrannis” mean?

18. How might history have been different if the South had won the Civil War instead of the North?

1. Construct a model log cabin similar to the one Abraham Lincoln grew up in.

2. Re-enact the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates.

3. Imagine that you are a reporter in 1861. Write a column for your newspaper reporting the South’s secession.

4. On a map of the United States, create a visual representation of the United States and the Confederate States.

5. Create a commemorative poster of Lincoln’s assassination.

Related Videos

Primary Sources

• Follow this link (http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/gadd/) to the Library of Congress’ virtual exhibit showcasing “The Gettysburg Address.”