About this episode:

Presidential elections essentially boil down to a popular mandate, either supporting an incumbent’s administration or repudiating it. Never was that clearer than in 1864 when some four million people went to the polls to either re-elect Abraham Lincoln or oust him. At the election’s core: to stay the course and finish the war or admit it a failure and call for a cessation of hostilities. Such were the weighty consequences surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s quest for a second term. This is the story of a nation’s moment of decision. This is the story of the presidential election of 1864.

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Some Characters Mentioned In This Episode:

John Tyler

George B. McClellan

William Seward

Salmon P. Chase

Clement L. Vallandigham

Additional Resources:

Electoral Map - Election of 1864

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Producer: Dan Irving