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America's New Birth of Freedom: Documents from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, January 16- March 22, 2009

Select one of the four questions. A video featuring Dr. Thomas F. Schwartz, Illinois state historian, will address the topic in Lincoln's words.

Why did the war start?

View the transcript (.pdf).

Can slavery be justified?

View the transcript (.pdf).


What was the aim of the Emancipation Proclamation?

View the transcript (.pdf).

Was the war God's punishment for slavery?

View the transcript (.pdf).


Videos courtesy of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

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