Central Bucks School District



P5 | APUSH | Wiley | Lincoln Viewing Guide, D___ Name:right1968500The Academy Award winning film Lincoln provides an opportunity to accomplish key objectives:Understand the mindset of Northerners in the Civil War era. While Northerners today tend to think of Northerners of the 1850s and ‘60s as a monolithic group that was opposed to slavery and a proponent of racial equality, this film helps us realize what a fallacy that notion is. In terms of thoughts on race/slavery: A small minority of radical abolitionists (“Radical Republicans”) were on the “right side of history.” Although some managed to get elected to the U.S. Congress, we’ll see in the film how much opposition they faced once there. They were far more progressive than the average Northerner. right29146500Most Northerners—post Mexican-American War—were anti-expansion of slavery. They were often called “free soilers,” who wanted all new territories/states to be free of slavery for economic and political reasons. Many in this category believed slavery would inevitably wither away in modern society.Most Northerners were ardently racist and believed free blacks and whites could never live in harmony with one another (as such, many felt blacks should be sent back to their homelands).Get to know Lincoln—and the influence he had on Northern public opinion—very well. As was indicated in Lincoln’s vignette and in our Sources on Lincoln document, he was a complex man whose views on race/slavery seem to have dramatically evolved over time. In some respects, he nudged many Northerners to evolve dramatically themselves on issues of race/slavery.Understand the dynamics behind passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the U.S.: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude . . . shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. . . .”The film 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? 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. It is helpful to review political parties at this time (1865) before watching the film. DemocratsRepublicansJacksonianDistaste 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? 44903986778400Describe the views of Secretary of State Seward (picture right), 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?Scene 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? 4483100635000Who was Preston Blair (picture, right) and what did 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? 4604157751900Why 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, picture, right] What did Secretary Seward and his hired lobbyists seek to do?How did the Democratic Party label Lincoln? Why? (as evidenced by the speech from NY Democratic representative Fernando Wood)right1587500What type of Democrat do Seward’s lobbyists think they could influence and how did they attempt to sway them? [lobbyist William Bilbo: picture, right]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 Yeaman (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?right57800Southern offer scenes:Describe Grant’s (picture, right) message to the “sesesh delegates”: Describe Grant’s message to Lincoln (with regards to the Southern offer):What 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? What did Stevens do in his speech on the House floor? Why do you think he made this decision?Why did Lincoln visit Seward's men (the lobbyists)?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: Post-Viewing ?s: Type responses to four of the prompts below (2-4 sentences); email 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 other figures from the area should get credit as well?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? What was your favorite scene in the movie? Why? What were your reactions to the Lincoln family dynamics?147383535941000Whose ideology do you respect more, Lincoln or Stevens? (think back to the compass analogy…)14878051258570003764915734557Top: Lincoln and his son, Thomas “Tad” Lincoln, who died at 18 ?. Bottom: Sadly, only one of Lincoln’s sons survived into adulthood, Robert Todd Lincoln. 00Top: Lincoln and his son, Thomas “Tad” Lincoln, who died at 18 ?. Bottom: Sadly, only one of Lincoln’s sons survived into adulthood, Robert Todd Lincoln. ................
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