Subject: So. Studies/Sciences: History

U.S. History Series

Abraham Lincoln: His Life and His Legacy

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April 14th, 1865, just 5 days after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Courthouse, ending the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth and would die the next day. This one violent act shocked a nation that for the previous 4 years had struggled through the deadliest conflict in its history. Abraham Lincoln, the man, had died. But, today, every human being who values their freedom, who respects and honors their inalienable rights, understands that the legacy of Lincoln lives on. Thus begins the incomparable story of America's 16th president, forever to be known as "The Great Emancipator." In this biographical documentary we explore the life story of this historical icon, born in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky, largely self-educated, who became an able and respected lawyer in Illinois; involved himself in politics, which led to the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates; then, in 1860, to his election as president, where his leadership as Commander-in-Chief held the Union together during the nation's bloodiest conflict. We visualize his strength of character in issuing The Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the end of slavery in America, during the height of the Civil War; we call to mind the events prior to and after his assassination; we reflect on his famous House Divided speech, as well as The Gettysburg Address; and in the context of Civil Rights, Women's Right to Vote, and the U.S. Constitution, we pay tribute to Lincoln's greatest legacy: freedom. Produced by Chip Taylor and BBTFilms. 2010 JSCA 50 min.
Also See: Robert E. Lee - Beyond the Battles; Ely Parker (Seneca): Warrior in Two Worlds; Shelby Foote: The Man and the Civil War; Lincoln, the Civil War and American Nationalism; The Forgotten Civil War
Also by BBTFilms: The Hollywood Lens of Murray Garrett: In Focus; The Terrible Meek (War and Human Values)