The Rest Is History

200: American Civil War: The Causes (Part 1)

Jun 27, 2022

In this engaging discussion, historian Adam Smith, an expert on Lincoln and the Civil War, dives deep into the origins of one of America's most pivotal conflicts. The moral, political, and economic roots of slavery are explored, revealing how these factors made war inevitable. Smith highlights Lincoln's complex views on slavery while examining the turbulent political landscape of the 1850s and the prelude to conflict in Kansas. The episode sheds light on how cultural narratives and key figures shaped public opinion, contributing to escalating tensions.

59:58

Episode guests

Adam Smith

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Anticipated Conflict for Social Change

01:43

The Role of Anti-Slavery Literature in Triggering the American Civil War

01:59

The North: Abolitionism, Racism, and Lincoln's Illinois

01:04

Intro

2min

Exploring the Roots of the American Civil War

27min

Lincoln, Jefferson, and the Slavery Dilemma

9min

Lincoln's Ascendancy in a Shifting Political Landscape

6min

Bleeding Kansas: The Prelude to Conflict

6min

Tensions Toward Civil War

5min

The Prelude to Civil War: Tensions Escalate Over Fort Sumter

4min

Welcome to The Rest Is History 'American Civil War' series.

The release schedule of the four episodes is as follows:

The Causes (Monday 27th June)

Outbreak (Tuesday 28th June)

Gettysburg (Thursday 30th June)

Aftermath & Legacy (Monday 4th July)

However, members of The Rest Is History Club get all four episodes RIGHT NOW, so head to restishistorypod.com to sign up.

In the first of a four part series, Tom and Dominic are joined by historian Adam Smith for an in-depth look at the origins of the war. They ask whether the moral, political and economic problems of slavery made conflict inevitable and discuss the character of Abraham Lincoln.

*The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*:

Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia!

Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com

Twitter:

@TheRestHistory

@holland_tom

@dcsandbrook

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