Abraham Lincoln
11 items
Abraham Lincoln’s Political Philosophy with Lucas Morel | BRI Scholar Talks
Video
Video
39 Min
What constitutional principles comprised Lincoln’s political philosophy? In this Scholar Talk video, BRI Senior Teaching Fellow Tony Williams sits down with Lucas Morel, Professor of Politics at Washington & Lee University, to discuss Morel's new book, "Lincoln and the American Founding." Morel explains how the natural rights republicanism of the Declaration of Independence and the principles of the Constitution formed the foundation of Lincoln’s political philosophy. This philosophy also shaped Lincoln’s statesmanship regarding the moral evil of slavery. What is the relationship between political ideas and actions in pursuit of justice, and which civic virtues are necessary for a principled leader to rule justly?
39 Min
Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Justice
Lesson - 1 Activities
Lesson
1 Activities
45 Min
In this lesson, students will learn about Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Students will specifically learn about how Lincoln’s actions conform to the idea of justice and how they can apply this idea into actions in their own lives.
45 Min
Abraham Lincoln and Emancipation
Essay - 2746 Words
Essay
2746 Words
By the end of this section, you will explain how Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War impacted American ideals over the course of the war
The Crooked Path to Abolition with James Oakes | BRI Scholar Talks
Video
Video
26 Min
How were the Civil War and the question of slavery related to differing interpretations of a pro-slavery or anti-slavery Constitution? In this video, two-time Lincoln Prize winner, James Oakes, and BRI Senior Teaching Fellow Tony Williams discuss his new book, “The Crooked Path to Abolition: Abraham Lincoln and the Antislavery Constitution.” Oakes explores what role the Constitution played in abolishing slavery and how the Civil War accelerated this process. Why did Lincoln view the Constitution as an anti-slavery document? In what ways were Lincoln’s opinions different from his contemporaries? In what ways were they similar?
26 Min
With Charity for All: Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and Respect
Lesson - 2 Activities
Lesson
2 Activities
45 Min
In this lesson, students will review Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, delivered as Union troops were within sight of ultimate victory in the Civil War. They will analyze how he demonstrated respect in his approach to his second term of office and plans for restoring the Union. They will achieve the following objectives.
45 Min
Four Score and Seven Years Ago: Abraham Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address, and Identity
Lesson - 1 Activities
Lesson
1 Activities
45 Min
In this lesson, students will analyze Abraham Lincoln’s identity as a writer, speaker, and president related to the Gettysburg Address.
45 Min
Allen C. Guelzo: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates | BRI Scholar Talks
Video
Video
52 Min
BRI Senior Teaching Fellow Tony Williams sits down with renowned historian Allen Guelzo, Director of the James Madison Program’s Initiative in Politics and Statesmanship, author of twelve bestselling books, and winner of the prestigious Lincoln Prize three times, to discuss Dr. Guelzo’s acclaimed book, "Lincoln and Douglas: The Debates that Defined America." Together, they examine the importance of civil political discourse in a democracy. They also converse about Lincoln and Douglas’ differing republican political principles and ideas about slavery. Does democracy have a higher moral purpose? What can the Lincoln-Douglas debates teach us about constitutional principles and civil discourse?
52 Min
The Rhetoric of Abraham Lincoln DBQ
Lesson
Lesson
85 Min
Use this Lesson in conjunction with the Abraham Lincoln and Emancipation Decision Point to have students analyze Abraham Lincoln's rhetoric throughout his presidency.
The Election of Lincoln and the Secession of Southern States DBQ
Lesson
Lesson
90 Min
Use this Lesson with The Election of 1860 Narrative and the South Carolina Secession Debate, 1860 Primary Source to allow students to analyze the motivations of South Carolina to secede from the United States.
Did Abraham Lincoln Exceed His Presidential Powers during the Civil War?
Activity
Activity
40 Min
Two scholars debate this question.
Jon Schaff: Lincoln & Civic Virtue | BRI Scholar Talks
Video
Video
35 Min
BRI Senior Teaching Fellow Tony Williams sits down with Jon Schaff, author and Northern State University professor of government, to discuss Lincoln's respect for civic virtues and why they are so important in a democracy. Schaff reviews the relationship between civic virtues and efficient political processes, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse. What are the dangers of passions in creating lawlessness and tyranny? And why are restraint, moderation, and prudence essential traits for a good ruler to possess? Schaff is the author of "Abraham Lincoln's Statesmanship and the Limits of Liberal Democracy" and "Age of Anxiety: Meaning, Identity, and Politics in 21st-Century Film and Literature."
About Jon Schaff:
Professor Schaff is a professor of government at Northern State University and specializes in the study of American political thought and institutions. He has published on the presidency and political thought of Abraham Lincoln, politics and literature, and politics and popular culture. He has been a department chair and faculty athletic representative and has received the Outstanding Faculty Award from NSU.
35 Min