Fortifying Our Democracy: Lincoln's Lyceum Address

In 1838, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech to the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois on “The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions.” Lincoln’s words serve as a reflective treatise on civic responsibility, a warning against internal threats that could destroy a constitutional republic, and how to fortify the nation and its citizens against those threats. Topics covered include specific acts of mob violence of that era including the attacks and murder on Elijah Lovejoy, lynching of Francis McIntosh, and the extralegal hanging of gamblers in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the importance of the rule of law and using peaceful, legal means to effect change and maintain public trust in institutions, the idea that the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents comprise a “political religion” for the nation, and the role of all citizens in protecting democracy and preventing autocracy.

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Warning Signs: Lincoln’s Response to Rising Threats to Freedom, Justice, and Democracy

Throughout the 1850s, Abraham Lincoln witnessed a series of challenges to the republic including extreme polarization and political violence stemming from opposition on matters of freedom, justice, and democracy. Explore how these challenges developed and were met in Lincoln’s time through primary sources, original short films featuring experts, and teacher-developed lesson plans. Topics covered include the Compromise of 1850, the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision, The Kansas-Nebraska Act, and Lincoln’s speeches and debates. Understanding what happened and why provides essential context about the past and lessons learned for challenges we face in our own time.

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