American Experience (1988)

Episode Overview

Title: Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided, Part II Plot: As the Lincolns step into Washington, D.C., in 1861, the untested president-elect faces skepticism while Mary is scrutinized for her Southern roots, raising suspicions of her loyalty. Amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, they endure a profound personal loss with the passing of their young son, Willie, in 1862. Struggling with grief, Mary seeks solace in spiritualism, risking her grip on reality. Meanwhile, President Lincoln is compelled to confront a pressing national crisis—the war. This period of turmoil leads him to a pivotal decision: the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, fundamentally altering the course of the conflict.