The Surprising Ascendance of Abraham Lincoln - HISTORY

Today he is known as one of the greatest American presidents, but at the time of his election no one would have predicted Lincoln's success.

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How did the Civil War transform Lincoln's political philosophy and make his presidency one of the most iconic in history?

Lincoln's second inaugural address somberly intoned the sacrifices made to end slavery and preserve the Union while calling for mutual forgiveness between North and South as the work of rebuilding began.

Abraham Lincoln's 1858 "House Divided" speech catapults him into the national consciousness with its bold moral assessment of the future of American slavery.

As the principal speaker at the National Republican Club's 1957 Lincoln Day Dinner, Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. discusses the continuing appeal of the 16th president.

Watch as Abraham Lincoln interacts with various New Yorkers.

A stunned nation launches a massive manhunt for President Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

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