The Civil War and Reconstruction was arguably one of the most catastrophic and defining events in American history. For Lincoln, the sole purpose was to preserve the Union. His assassination set in motion a model of Reconstruction that differed from his expressed vision. This seminar will look at the war, broadly defined, the role Emancipation played and its effects on Reconstruction.

This program will be conducted as a discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings in our conversation. All attendees of this free seminar will receive lunch, a letter of attendance, as well as paper and digital copies of the reader.