Overview

“Fortifying Our Democracy: Lincoln’s Lyceum Address” explores the alarming events that motivated Lincoln to deliver his speech, the timeless argument for investing in civic education, and the dangers of taking our political institutions for granted. Starting with a short, three-part documentary series, this project explores Abraham Lincoln's powerful political ideas and how they resonate with the challenges we face in safeguarding democracy today. Through this course, you will gain different insights from renowned scholars on this topic that is crucial to all citizens of a democracy.


Digital Media

Fortifying Our Democracy | Trailer

This three-part documentary series explores what we can learn from Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address of 1838. The speech is an exploration of civic responsibility, a warning against internal threats, and a reflection on how citizens can work together peacefully and within the framework of the law to effect change while maintaining public trust.

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PART ONE - The Danger of Mob Violence

In the first part of the documentary, experts explain the many acts of mob violence that were occurring throughout the country in the 1830s including attacks on the property and life of Elijah Lovejoy, the lynching of Francis McIntosh, and extralegal hangings in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

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PART TWO - The Problem of Decaying Trust

Experts explore the rationale behind Abraham Lincoln insisting that reason and adherence to the rule of law in pursuit of justice and change were essential in order to maintain trust in political institutions. They cover how the issue of slavery was directly and indirectly responsible for undermining public trust.

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PART THREE - The Risk of the Tyrants

Recognizing that younger generations of Americans could not be united by the common cause of the American Revolution, Abraham Lincoln pointed to a need for citizens to find common cause in perpetuating the national experiment. In the third and final episode of the documentary series, experts cover the nation’s susceptibility—then as now—to the rise of an authoritarian leader in the wake of unchecked mob violence and associated decline in public trust. They outline the argument for the role all citizens have in fortifying our nation.

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Fortifying Our Democracy Lesson Plans

AP U.S. History Lesson Plans

"Is the Rule of Law Essential to 'The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions'? Lincoln, abolitionism,
and mob violence in the 1830s American West"

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View in New American History's Immersive Reader

High School Lesson Plans

"Is the Rule of Law Essential to 'The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions'? Lincoln, abolitionism,
and mob violence in the 1830s American West"

View Lesson Plans PDF

View in New American History's Immersive Reader

Middle School Lesson Plans

"Is the Rule of Law Essential to 'The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions'? Lincoln, abolitionism,
and mob violence in the 1830s American West"

View Lesson Plans PDF

View in New American History's Immersive Reader