
About this episode
The speech that triggered the Civil War? In a speech in the State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, in 1858, Abraham Lincoln warned that a "house divided against itself cannot stand" and that the nation, like a house divided, could not remain "half slave and half free" but would have to become all one thing or all the other. The crisis had arrived; the choice was between complete freedom and complete slavery. Why did Lincoln say this, and what were the consequences? Adam travels to Springfield to find out. Featuring Professor Graham Peck, Distinguished Professor of Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois, Springfield, and Christian McWhirter, Lincoln Historian at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Last Best Hope?

The Battle over the 250th Anniversary
The Last Best Hope?
Jun 24, 202655:53pending

Why America Doesn't Love Soccer (Except When It Does)
The Last Best Hope?
Jun 10, 202636:54pending

1776 and the break up of the United States
The Last Best Hope?
May 27, 202638:48pending

The idea of America in British politics
The Last Best Hope?
May 13, 202650:13pending