Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War

Hilda E. Bretzlaff Academy

This Academy, intended for more advanced students or graduates of “Telling America’s Story,” will take students on an in-depth exploration of perhaps the most difficult era in American history, the Civil War.

Through a thorough analysis of the writings and actions of Abraham Lincoln and others, participants will encounter and discuss the fundamental questions about America that nearly tore it apart during the 1860s. Did the Declaration of Independence promise equality for all? Was the Constitution written as a pro-slavery or anti-slavery document? Why did Lincoln call the idea that “all men are created equal” a “proposition” rather than a self-evident truth? What was proven by the outcome of the Civil War?

Though many of the conflicts that caused the Civil War, most notably the institution of slavery, are now resolved in American political discourse, some persist and continue to shape American politics to this day.

Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War

Where and when

Sunday, June 16 2024 —
Saturday, June 22 2024
401 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805
Ashbrook Center at Ashland University

Schedule and Syllabus of Readings

Taught by

Gregory McBrayer
Gregory McBrayer
Associate Professor of Political Science and Assistant Director of the Ashbrook Scholar Program
Christopher Burkett
Christopher Burkett
Associate Professor of Political Science at Ashland University and Director of the Ashbrook Scholar Program
Jason Stevens
Jason Stevens
Assistant Professor of Political Science at Ashland University and Director of Teacher Programs for the Ashbrook Center
Cara Rogers Stevens
Cara Rogers Stevens
Assistant Professor of History at Ashland University

Schedule of events coming soon.