Central Bucks School District



P5 | APUSH | Wiley | Lincoln Viewing Guide, D___ Name:right2739300Lincoln takes place in the 4th year of the Civil War (1865) during Lincoln’s final 4 months of life. The 13th Amendment, which abolishes slavery, has been passed by the Senate but was defeated in the House. This film is focused on Lincoln’s battle to bring the amendment to a vote in the House once again, despite all of the odds and seemingly odd-timing. One of the key goals of the film is to understand why Lincoln is so adamant about passing the 13th Amendment at this moment; what are his true motives, and are the actions he takes justified?Amendment XIII: Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude . . . shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. . . . Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Note: There are many profanities throughout the film. Any attempt to skip each scene where vulgar language is used would impede our ability to fully grasp the historical context and content. 45085002351405Mary Todd Lincoln00Mary Todd Lincolnright79502000It is helpful to review political parties at this time (1865) before watching the film. Which party is described in each list? JacksonianDistaste for government interference Use of class rhetoric to inflame poor against richFavored U.S. geographic expansionMostly a Southern party; advocates of slaveryNorthern Democrats were divided during this time: some supported Lincoln’s wartime policies (such as violating the Constitution at times in order to preserve the Union) but disagreed with the Emancipation Proclamation due to racial attitudes, while others did not support any of his wartime policies Northerners: former free-soilers, Whigs, abolitionists (eclectic group)In the 1850s (after Mexican-American War), they all shared the anti-expansion of slavery view Conservative faction wants to negotiate peace; not interested in 13th Amendment unless it will bring peaceRadical Republicans favor abolition of slavery and racial equalityWhat do you think was the purpose of the scene showing Lincoln speaking with the black and white soldiers? right51857400Describe the views of Secretary of State Seward (picture below), the man Lincoln was speaking with in his carriage and in his office, on the 13th Amendment. What were some of the obstacles that Lincoln faced in passing the 13th Amendment?4572000000Scene with Lincoln, Seward, and the Jolly’s:How did “the people” [of the Union] feel about the 13th Amendment? If the war had ended, how would that change their view of the 13th Amendment? Who is Preston Blair (picture top right) and what does his faction desire at this time? Scene with Cabinet members: (scene begins with Secretary of War complaining about a war map)Why were some Cabinet members upset with Lincoln? Explain how Lincoln described his use of “war powers”:Why was Lincoln so determined to pass the 13th Amendment at this time? right98085600Why did the Radical Republicans, the minority faction of the Republican Party in favor of abolition and racial equality, distrust Lincoln? In their minds, what was motivating Lincoln to push for the 13th Amendment? [leader of the faction, Thaddeus Stevens, pictured here] What did Secretary Seward and his hired lobbyists seek to do?right2736200How did the Democratic Party label Lincoln? Why? (as evidenced by the speech from NY Democratic representative Fernando Wood)What type of Democrat do Seward’s lobbyists think they could influence and how did they attempt to sway them? [William Bilbo, lobbyist, pictured here]Why did Seward get upset with Lincoln? Why is he so concerned with the “rumors”? Scene with Lincoln and Stevens discussing the 13th Amendment and Reconstruction:What did Lincoln want Stevens and the Radicals to do in the debate? Why?What was Stevens’s vision of the post-war era? What were Lincoln’s thoughts on this vision?House debate scene:What strategy did the Democrats adopt in regards to Stevens?What fears did the representative from Kentucky raise about the 13th Amendment?What created difficulty for Seward's men as they tried to hold onto votes for the Amendment?Southern offer scenes:What did General Grant want Lincoln to do in regards to the Southern offer?463550032200What dilemma was Lincoln faced with at this time? What message did Lincoln send to Grant at first? How did Lincoln change the message to Grant? Why?[Grant pictured here] What did Stevens do in his speech on the House floor? Why do you think he make this decision?Describe the interaction between Lincoln and his black servant: Why did Lincoln visit Seward's men (the lobbyists)?How did Lincoln and Lincoln’s father feel about slavery?Why was Representative Yeaman reluctant to change his vote and support the amendment?According to Lincoln, what was at stake at that time?House vote scenes:What did Representative Pendleton say in his remarks on the House floor? What did the conservative Republicans decide to do? What did Lincoln tell the House about a peace delegation? (this changes the minds of conservative Republicans)After all of the votes, what was the final result?What did Stevens do with the bill?When Lincoln meets with the Southern delegation, what did they insist upon? What did Lincoln insist during this meeting?Southern delegationLincolnDescribe the plan for Reconstruction that Lincoln communicated to Grant: The film ends with the words of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. What were some of the key ideas of this speech?Post-Viewing Questions: Type your responses to #26 and two other questions from below. Aim for 4-6 sentences for each response. Print and attach to this document. Your peers will evaluate your work in class. Also email your responses to Ms. Wiley by _________________________. Summarize how the 13th Amendment came to be passed by the House of Representatives. To what extent was Lincoln responsible for the 13th Amendment? What did the film showcase about Northern public opinion with regards to slavery/African Americans?What insights can be gained about the nature of politics from this film?How did the film impact your view of “honest Abe”? Some revisionists have painted Lincoln as a “reluctant emancipator” due to his statements and actions with regards to slavery (and African Americans in general) throughout his life and career. How do you think this film weighs-in on the issue? Do you think the film was biased in any way? Why or why not? ................
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