Michael P. Zuckert is the Nancy R. Dreux Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, at the University of Notre Dame.

Abraham Lincoln is often hailed as America's greatest president, yet subject to waves of criticism that have evolved over decades. We explore the intricate dynamics of Lincoln's presidency, focusing on his statecraft during the Civil War period and the extensive debates among historians regarding his motives and the inevitability of the Civil War.

The video examines the initial critiques from the first half of the 20th century, where historians labeled Lincoln's approach as overly radical, transforming a potentially peaceful conflict into an unavoidable Greek tragedy. We look into Lincoln's famous "house divided" speech and how his insistence on maintaining the Union, despite predicting the nation would not remain half slave and half free, set the stage for conflict.

Transitioning to the mid to late 20th century, we see a shift in criticism, aligning more with the Civil Rights Movement's aftermath. Here, Lincoln's actions are scrutinized for their perceived limited scope and conservatism, questioning his dedication to true racial equality despite his role in emancipation.

Learn more about The Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government: https://constudies.nd.edu/

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded December 5, 2022 at the University of Notre Dame