In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Tom and Dominic delve into the final days of Abraham Lincoln, beginning with his second inauguration speech in March 1865. They discuss the speech's themes of reconciliation and humility, contrasting it with the chaotic inauguration event itself. They explore Lincoln's unexpected rise to presidency, the challenges he faced during the Civil War, and his evolving views on Reconstruction, particularly regarding voting rights for Black Americans. The hosts then shift focus to John Wilkes Booth, detailing his background as a famous actor, his extreme pro-Confederate views, and his evolving plot to first kidnap and then assassinate Lincoln, drawing parallels between Lincoln and Julius Caesar. The episode concludes with the setup for Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre, setting the stage for the next installment.
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