Lincoln and Jefferson Davis: A Comparison of Styles First Of Hildene Lincoln Lectures

Brooks Davis, instructor in American History at the Osher Lifelong Institute of Learning at Northwestern University will present Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, A Study in Styles.  Davis is a member of the Abraham Lincoln Association Board of Directors and has been a student and teacher of Lincoln for over fifty years, making him eminently qualified to address the topic in this first presentation of the Lincoln Lecture Series.  In comparing the style of the nation’s most beloved president, Abraham Lincoln, with that of Jefferson Davis, the elected president of the Confederacy, the speaker will take into account many factors.  Jefferson Davis, one of American political history’s most complex and controversial leaders, in modern day terms would be considered a strategic and tactical micromanager, becoming intimately involved with military operations while failing to deal effectively with a complex political environment. By contrast Lincoln, the Civil War president, is seen as a visionary capable of understanding the breadth of issues facing the country while taking a hands off approach to military tactics.  All the while he maintained a complex balance between warring political factions within the union.  That focus was far more important to a successful war effort than Davis’ direct involvement.  

In February of this year, the U.S. began celebrating the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth in 1809. Cultural institutions across the country are exploring the many facets of the legacy of the nation’s beloved 16th president.  Hildene’s series of lectures will focus on Lincoln related topics in celebration of the Bicentennial.  On August 9, historian William Cooper, will speak on Governing the Confederacy.  Professor Burrus Carnahan will address the question:  By Today’s Yardstick:  Lincoln, Democrat of Republican? on September 20.  Lincoln and Habeas Corpus will be examined by Professor Joe Fornieri in the concluding lecture of the series on October 18.

The Lincoln Lecture Series will take place on Saturdays monthly throughout the summer and begin at 10:00 am.  Check in at the Welcome Center.  Admission is $2.  Members are free.  To learn about other celebrations of Lincoln’s life and legacy throughout the Bicentennial, visit www.hildene.org/events.  Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Date and Time : Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 am.

Venue : Pavilion.