Lincoln's Legacy
In Lincoln's Legacy, historian Lucy Worsley looks at a re-assessment of Lincoln's legacy. Although he helped free enslaved people, he always did what was in the best interests of his own race. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.
Advisory: Contains discriminatory language.Lesson Express
Q: Why did Frederick Douglass begin a reassessment of Lincoln’s memory?
A: Frederick Douglass began reassessing Lincoln’s memory because, over time, he came to recognize that Lincoln's views on race and slavery were more complex than he had originally believed. Initially, Douglass criticized Lincoln for not fully supporting immediate emancipation and racial equality. However, as the Civil War progressed, Lincoln’s policies evolved.
Q: Do you think Douglass’s argument was correct regarding Lincoln's interest in focusing on his own race?
A: Student responses will vary. Douglass’s argument that Lincoln initially focused on preserving the Union, rather than prioritizing racial equality, has some truth. In the early years of the Civil War, Lincoln did not openly advocate for full racial equality, as his primary focus was maintaining the Union and ending slavery as a means to preserve the nation
Q: Do you think that Lincoln believed in racial equality?
A: Student responses will vary. Lincoln’s views on racial equality were complicated and evolved over time. Early in his political career, Lincoln did not openly advocate for racial equality. He also supported the 13th Amendment. His actions didn’t fully endorse equality, yet he did support some causes.
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In The History of the Lincoln Memorial, historian Lucy Worsley investigates how the Northern Union Forces defeated the Southern Confederates in the Civil War. She visits the Lincoln Memorial and learns that the 36 columns represent the 36 states that were in the Union after the war. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.
In Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, historian Lucy Worsley takes a look at the document drafted by Lincoln in 1863 that promised freedom from enslavement. However, it was only promised in rebel Southern states. Evidence suggests that Lincoln's main aim was to save the Union, not to end slavery. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.
In The History of the Lincoln Memorial, historian Lucy Worsley investigates how the Northern Union Forces defeated the Southern Confederates in the Civil War. She visits the Lincoln Memorial and learns that the 36 columns represent the 36 states that were in the Union after the war. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.
In Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, historian Lucy Worsley takes a look at the document drafted by Lincoln in 1863 that promised freedom from enslavement. However, it was only promised in rebel Southern states. Evidence suggests that Lincoln's main aim was to save the Union, not to end slavery. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.