2011
In 1865, as the Civil War concludes, President Lincoln urgently works to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, before the Confederacy's surrender invalidates the Emancipation Proclamation. He and William Seward employ political maneuvering to secure votes from reluctant representatives, while Lincoln also grapples with his family's personal struggles amidst the war. Despite intense opposition and ongoing peace talks, Lincoln skillfully balances the amendment's passage with efforts to end the war swiftly. The Thirteenth Amendment passes, but shortly after General Lee's surrender, Lincoln is assassinated at Ford's Theater, leaving the nation to mourn.
Save the Cat beat sheet
LINCOLN chronicles Abraham Lincoln’s determined push to pass the Thirteenth Amendment amid Civil War turmoil.
Open full beat sheetAbraham Lincoln is listed as President of the United States. Tall, weary, determined, prone to storytelling and melancholy. In the parsed data, Abraham Lincoln is connected to 48 scenes, 64 dialogue lines, 64 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
48 scenes / 64 dialogue linesMary Lincoln is listed as First Lady. Grieving, sharp-witted, politically astute, prone to emotional outbursts. In the parsed data, Mary Lincoln is connected to 17 scenes, 18 dialogue lines, 18 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
17 scenes / 18 dialogue linesWilliam Seward is listed as Secretary of State. Pragmatic, cynical, loyal to Lincoln. In the parsed data, William Seward is connected to 17 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
17 scenes / 9 dialogue linesThaddeus Stevens is listed as Republican Congressman. Radical abolitionist, bitter, powerful orator, wears a red wig. In the parsed data, Thaddeus Stevens is connected to 16 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.
16 scenes / 9 dialogue linesTad Lincoln is listed as Lincoln's son. 10-year-old boy, energetic, grieving for his brother Willie. In the parsed data, Tad Lincoln is connected to 11 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
11 scenes / 8 dialogue linesElizabeth Keckley is listed as Mary Lincoln's dressmaker. Light-skinned black woman, confidante to Mary. In the parsed data, Elizabeth Keckley is connected to 10 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
10 scenes / 4 dialogue linesRobert Lincoln is listed as Lincoln's son. 21-year-old, eager to enlist in the army. In the parsed data, Robert Lincoln is connected to 9 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 31.
9 scenes / 1 dialogue linesW.N. Bilbo is listed as Lobbyist. Tennessee lawyer, crude, effective at political maneuvering. In the parsed data, W.N. Bilbo is connected to 9 scenes, first appearing around scene 16.
9 scenes / 0 dialogue linesFernando Wood is listed as Democratic Congressman. Vocal opponent of Lincoln and the amendment. In the parsed data, Fernando Wood is connected to 7 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 17.
7 scenes / 5 dialogue linesGeorge Pendleton is listed as Democratic Congressman. Minority leader, fierce opponent of the amendment. In the parsed data, George Pendleton is connected to 7 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 50.
7 scenes / 2 dialogue linesPreston Blair is listed as Patriarch of the Blair family. Wealthy, powerful, conservative Republican. In the parsed data, Preston Blair is connected to 7 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 20.
7 scenes / 2 dialogue linesRobert Latham is listed as Political operative. Albany-based operative working for Seward. In the parsed data, Robert Latham is connected to 6 scenes, first appearing around scene 16.
6 scenes / 0 dialogue linesEdwin M. Stanton is listed as Secretary of War. Barrel-shaped, long-bearded, impatient, focused on military victory. In the parsed data, Edwin M. Stanton is connected to 5 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 74.
5 scenes / 1 dialogue linesUlysses S. Grant is listed as Lieutenant General. Commanding General of the Union Army, rumpled, cigar-smoking. In the parsed data, Ulysses S. Grant is connected to 4 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 24.
4 scenes / 0 dialogue linesRichard Schell is listed as Wall Street speculator. Operative working for Seward. In the parsed data, Richard Schell is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 16.
4 scenes / 0 dialogue linesMontgomery Blair is listed as Preston Blair's son. Whip-thin, former cabinet member. In the parsed data, Montgomery Blair is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 11.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesHarold Green is listed as Union soldier. Late thirties, infantryman in the 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry. In the parsed data, Harold Green is connected to 2 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
2 scenes / 5 dialogue linesunknown is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, unknown is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, first appearing around scene 73.
2 scenes / 2 dialogue linesAlexander Stephens is listed as Confederate peace commissioner. Short, bundled, representative of the South. In the parsed data, Alexander Stephens is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 63.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue lineschar_22 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_22 is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 49.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue lineschar_23 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_23 is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 47.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesIra Clark is listed as Union soldier. Early twenties, cavalryman in the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry. In the parsed data, Ira Clark is connected to 1 scene, 10 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
1 scenes / 10 dialogue linesA brutal, chaotic battle between Union and Confederate forces in a flooded field.
Harold GreenLincoln visits with black soldiers Harold Green and Ira Clark, discussing the war, pay, and the future.
Abraham Lincoln, Harold Green, Ira ClarkLincoln has a dream about being alone on a fast-moving, strange ship.
Abraham LincolnLincoln discusses his dream and the Thirteenth Amendment with Mary.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary LincolnLincoln encounters Elizabeth Keckley.
Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth KeckleyLincoln finds Tad sleeping in his office and carries him to bed.
Abraham Lincoln, Tad LincolnLincoln raises a flag at a dedication ceremony.
Abraham Lincoln, William SewardLincoln and Seward discuss the difficulty of passing the amendment.
Abraham Lincoln, William SewardLincoln and Seward meet with the Jollys to discuss political strategy.
Abraham Lincoln, William SewardLincoln and Seward discuss the need for votes for the amendment, followed by a visit from Tad and a request to meet Preston Blair.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary Lincoln, William Seward, Tad LincolnLincoln meets with the Blair family to secure their support for the amendment in exchange for peace negotiations.
Abraham Lincoln, Tad Lincoln, Preston Blair, Montgomery BlairElizabeth Blair Lee sees her father off on his mission to Richmond.
Preston BlairThe cabinet discusses the military strategy for Wilmington and the legal basis for the Emancipation Proclamation.
Abraham Lincoln, William Seward, Edwin M. StantonLincoln pressures James Ashley to bring the amendment to the floor for a vote.
Abraham Lincoln, William SewardStevens convinces his radical colleagues to support the amendment despite their distrust of Lincoln.
Thaddeus StevensSeward and his operatives discuss the logistics of securing votes.
William Seward, W.N. Bilbo, Robert Latham, Richard SchellFernando Wood delivers a fiery speech against the amendment.
Thaddeus Stevens, Fernando WoodFernando Wood and Thaddeus Stevens engage in a heated debate over the 13th Amendment.
Thaddeus Stevens, Fernando Wood, George Pendleton, W.N. Bilbo, Robert Latham, Mary LincolnTad Lincoln plays with a goat in the corridor while Robert Lincoln arrives home.
Tad Lincoln, Robert Lincoln, Mary Lincoln, Elizabeth KeckleyPreston Blair urges Lincoln to meet with Confederate peace commissioners.
Abraham Lincoln, Preston Blair, Robert LincolnSeward and his operatives discuss the vote count for the amendment.
William Seward, W.N. Bilbo, Robert Latham, Richard SchellSeward confronts Lincoln about the secret peace mission.
Abraham Lincoln, William SewardLincoln visits Mary in the room where Willie died.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary LincolnMary Lincoln hosts a grand reception, interacting with political figures while Lincoln greets the public.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary Lincoln, Thaddeus Stevens, Tad Lincoln, Robert Lincoln, Preston BlairLincoln and Thaddeus Stevens discuss the political strategy for the amendment amidst the kitchen's clutter.
Abraham Lincoln, Thaddeus StevensLincoln and Mary discuss Robert's desire to enlist before Lincoln is called away by news of the war.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary LincolnLincoln and Stanton await news from the battle at Fort Fisher.
Abraham Lincoln, Edwin M. StantonSeward and Lincoln discuss the peace delegation and the Thirteenth Amendment.
Abraham Lincoln, William SewardLincoln walks alone through the White House.
Abraham LincolnLincoln sits alone in his office, contemplating the war and the telegram.
Abraham LincolnLincoln visits Hay and Nicolay to discuss pardons and the peace delegates.
Abraham Lincoln, Tad Lincoln, Robert LincolnLincoln continues his solitary walk.
Abraham LincolnLincoln dictates a telegram to Grant, then amends it.
Abraham Lincoln, Edwin M. Stanton, W.N. BilboThaddeus Stevens debates the Thirteenth Amendment.
Thaddeus Stevens, Fernando Wood, George Pendleton, Mary LincolnLitton confronts Stevens about his compromise.
Thaddeus StevensLincoln and Robert travel to an army hospital.
Abraham Lincoln, Robert LincolnLincoln visits wounded soldiers.
Abraham LincolnRobert witnesses the disposal of amputated limbs and has a breakdown.
Abraham Lincoln, Robert LincolnLincoln and Mary argue about Robert and their grief.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary LincolnThe Lincolns attend the opera.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary Lincoln, Elizabeth KeckleyLincoln and Mrs. Keckley discuss the future.
Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth KeckleySeward visits his operatives.
William Seward, W.N. Bilbo, Robert LathamLincoln visits his political operatives to discuss the progress of the Thirteenth Amendment and strategy for securing votes.
Abraham Lincoln, William Seward, W.N. Bilbo, Robert Latham, Richard SchellStevens intimidates Alexander Coffroth into switching his vote to support the amendment.
Thaddeus Stevens, George PendletonLincoln attempts to persuade George Yeaman to support the amendment.
Abraham Lincoln, William Seward, char_20Lincoln visits William Hutton to discuss the meaning of his brother's death.
Abraham Lincoln, char_21Lincoln demands his cabinet and operatives secure the final votes for the amendment.
Abraham Lincoln, William Seward, Preston Blair, Montgomery Blair, char_22, char_23Preparations for the vote on the Thirteenth Amendment.
Thaddeus StevensThe vote on the Thirteenth Amendment begins amidst political maneuvering.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary Lincoln, Thaddeus Stevens, Elizabeth Keckley, W.N. Bilbo, Fernando WoodThe roll call vote for the amendment continues with various representatives casting their votes.
Fernando Wood, George Pendleton, Thaddeus StevensLincoln watches Tad play with toy soldiers.
Abraham Lincoln, Tad LincolnSoldiers relay the voting results via telegraph.
Grant and Robert Lincoln monitor the vote count via telegraph.
Ulysses S. Grant, Robert LincolnYeaman, Hawkins, and LeClerk cast their votes, causing a stir.
Thaddeus Stevens, Fernando Wood, George Pendleton, Mary Lincoln, Elizabeth Keckley, W.N. BilboLincoln and Tad look at a book together.
Abraham Lincoln, Tad LincolnThe final vote is announced.
Mary Lincoln, Elizabeth Keckley, Preston BlairLincoln hears the bells of celebration.
Abraham Lincoln, Tad LincolnCelebration in the House chamber.
Mary Lincoln, Elizabeth Keckley, Preston Blair, Thaddeus StevensCrowds celebrate in the streets.
Thaddeus StevensStevens shares the news with Lydia Smith.
Thaddeus StevensStevens and Lydia read the amendment.
Thaddeus StevensLincoln arrives at Fortress Monroe.
Abraham Lincoln, William SewardLincoln negotiates with Confederate commissioners.
Abraham Lincoln, William Seward, Alexander StephensA city burns during the war.
Lincoln visits the battlefield.
Abraham LincolnLincoln and Grant discuss the end of the war.
Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. GrantLee surrenders to Grant.
Ulysses S. Grant, Robert LincolnLincoln and Mary discuss their future.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary LincolnLincoln prepares to leave for the theater.
Abraham LincolnLincoln walks down the hallway.
Abraham LincolnThe announcement of Lincoln's assassination.
Tad LincolnMary is escorted into the room.
Mary LincolnChaos erupts at Ford's Theater after the President is shot; Tad Lincoln is in shock.
Tad LincolnAbraham Lincoln passes away surrounded by family and officials.
Abraham Lincoln, Mary Lincoln, Robert Lincoln, Edwin M. StantonFlashback to Lincoln delivering his second inaugural address.
Abraham LincolnI'm sorry you're nauseous, Asa, that must be unpleasant. I want the amendment to pass. So that the Constitution's first and only mention of slavery is its absolute prohibition. For this amendment, for which I have worked all of my life and for which countless colored men and women have fought and died and now hundreds of thousands of soldiers - no, sir, no, it seems there is very nearly nothing I won't say.
That same speech has been made by how many sons to how many fathers since the war began? "I don't need your damn permission, you miserable old goat, I'm gonna enlist anyhow!" And what wouldn't those numberless fathers have given to be able to say to their sons - as I now say to mine - "I'm commander-in-chief, so in point of fact, without my permission, you ain't enlisting in nothing, nowhere, young man."
What my people are to be, I can't say. Negroes have been fighting and dying for freedom since the first of us was a slave. I never heard any ask what freedom will bring. Freedom's first. As for me: My son died, fighting for the Union, wearing the Union blue. For freedom he died. I'm his mother. That's what I am to the nation, Mr. Lincoln. What else must I be?
Now that white people have accustomed themselves to seeing Negro men with guns, fighting on their behalf, and now that they can tolerate Negro soldiers getting the same pay - in a few years perhaps they can abide the idea of Negro lieutenants and captains. In fifty years, maybe a Negro colonel. In a hundred years - the vote.
So at Jenkins' Ferry, we decided warn't taking no reb prisoners. And we didn't leave a one of `em alive. The ones of us that didn't die that day, we joined up with the 116th U.S. Colored, sir. From Camp Nelson Kentucky.
We are once again asked - nay, commanded - to consider a proposed thirteenth amendment which, if passed, shall set at immediate liberty four million coloreds while manacling the limbs of the white race in America.
We are once again asked - nay, commanded - to consider a proposed thirteenth amendment which, if passed, shall set at immediate liberty four million coloreds while manacling the limbs of the white race in America.
Even if every Republican in the House votes yes - far from guaranteed, since when has our party unanimously supported anything? - but say all our fellow Republicans vote for it. We'd still be twenty votes short.
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