About the Program
David von Drehle presents a history of the United States in 1862, the second year of the Civil War, and specifically the actions of President Abraham Lincoln. The author recounts that despite a strained federal government and weakened Union forces, President Lincoln was able to develop several pieces of legislation that would shape the future of the country, namely the Emancipation Proclamation. David von Drehle speaks at Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.