c

Join us at the table and explore America's story in the words of those who lived it.

Register for "Secession and Civil War"

August 3, 2022, 8:30 AM ET - 2:15 PM ET | Hosted by: Virginia Museum of History and Culture (Richmond, VA) | Discussion Leader: Dr. Jonathan White – Christopher Newport University

The decade that preceded Abraham Lincoln’s presidential election saw an America increasingly divided over the future of slavery in the United States. Lincoln’s election triggered the secession of several southern state even before he took office. Why did the secessionists fear a Lincoln presidency? How did the seceding states encourage others to join them? How did the southern states justify secession? What arguments did Lincoln make against secession? This seminar will consider these questions.

This program will be conducted as a Socratic discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with the Discussion Leader facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and  come ready with questions. All attendees will receive a Letter of Attendance at the end of the seminar.

Registration

Teaching American History
Testimonial
"It gave me a better understanding of the Founders’ views. They saw that restricting religious liberty is not only wrong; it leads to animosity within society. This year, I will begin both my government class and my class on “Law and Modern Society” with George Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport." — Sean B.