American Experience (1988)

Episode Overview

The first two parts of a six-part saga explore the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd, starting from their early years and the beginnings of their romance. Abraham came from a background of hardship, while Mary enjoyed a privileged upbringing as the daughter of a Kentucky banker and slaveholder. Tragically, several of her brothers would later perish fighting for the Confederacy in the Civil War. When they first crossed paths, he was somewhat of a country bumpkin, while she exuded sophistication. However, they were united by a shared passion for politics. Their marriage was marked by intense conflict, fueled by Mary's fiery temperament, Abraham's struggles with depression, and their political aspirations, including his terms in the U.S. House and eventually the presidency.