Collection Civil War
Through songs and letters, explore the stories and people who lived through the American Civil War, including the relationship President Abraham Lincoln had with the music of his time.
Abraham Lincoln and Music
What can we learn about Abraham Lincoln from his taste in music?
This audio series explores President Lincoln’s taste in music. The three parts address Lincoln’s love of the theater and popular music as well as the impact that music had on his political campaigns and presidency and the Civil War.
Before you get started, think of what you already know about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War Era. Keep this in mind as you explore the interactive and listen to the podcasts.
As you listen, compare and contrast the ways in which people experience music today and how they experienced it during the nineteenth century.
After listening to each part, make a list of the main points presented in it. Also, write down at least one question you had after listening.
Lesson Content
Lincoln & Popular Music
Abe Lincoln heard and sang much of the music of his time— popular music like the songs of Stephen Foster, as well as concert music and opera. In this first of three episodes, we explore the President's love of, and reliance upon, the popular and folk music of the time.
Lincoln & Political Music
In this second episode, we focus on the political music of Abraham Lincoln’s time—both music created to support the presidential candidates and the music in support—or in protest—of the Civil War.
Lincoln & Opera
Lincoln attended the theater frequently—opera being a particular favorite. In this final episode in the series, we look at the small plays and full-scale spectacles that caught his imagination and interest.
Comprehension
- In what ways did music affect Abraham Lincoln?
- What does Lincoln’s personal taste in theater and music tell us about his personality?
Critical Thinking
- How do politicians use of music in today’s campaigns?
- Music in Lincoln’s era was “participatory” according to the podcast. In an era of iPods and smartphones, how does music remain participatory today, if at all?
Reflection
Quiz Yourself!
- Which opera did Lincoln see four times?
- Why was Verdi’s A Masked Ball prophetic?
- What were some themes of popular music in the Civil War Era?
Dig Deeper!
Watch the music video and read the lyrics for Will.I.Am’s song “Yes We Can” which was written during the 2008 presidential campaign.
Yes We Can by will.i.am
Yes We Can by will.i.am
about why he wrote “Yes We Can.”
Compare and contrast Will.I.Am’s song with “Lincoln and Liberty” by Jesse Hutchinson, which was written during the 1860 presidential campaign.:
"Lincoln and Liberty" (Jesse Hutchinson)
Hurrah for the choice of the nation,
Our chieftain so brave and so true,
We'll go for the great reformation,
For Lincoln and Liberty, too!
We'll go for the son of Kentucky
The hero of Hoosierdom through,
The pride of the "Suckers" so lucky,
For Lincoln and Liberty, too!
They'll find what by felling and mauling,
Our railmaker statesman can do;
For the people are everywhere calling
For Lincoln and Liberty too.
Then up with the banner so glorious,
The star-spangled red, white, and blue,
We'll fight till our banner's victorious,
For Lincoln and Liberty, too.
Our David's good sling is unerring,
The Slavocrat's giant he slew,
Then shout for the freedom preferring,
For Lincoln and Liberty, too.
We'll go for the son of Kentucky,
The hero of Hoosierdom through,
The pride of the "Suckers" so lucky,
For Lincoln and Liberty, too.
This audio series is a great way to enhance a unit on the Civil War or to study President Lincoln as an individual. It offers many opportunities to connect to the modern world and popular culture. The series can be especially relevant in an election year when political ads are ubiquitous.
Instructional Strategies
This series can be listened to using speakers for the whole class to hear or students can listen individually using headphones.
A brief discussion should follow each part with a summative discussion after listening to all three. Some topics for discussion include:
- Compare and contrast the way people today listen to and interact with music with how people of the nineteenth century did.
- What can we learn about Abraham Lincoln’s character and beliefs based on his musical preferences?
- What kind of music and theater do you think Confederacy president Jefferson Davis would have liked and listened to?
Give students an excerpt from a variety of different presidential campaign speeches. Have them choose a popular song that they feel shares similar themes with the speech and have them write new lyrics to the song based on phrases from the speech.
Assessment Ideas
Have students conduct research on a president of their choice and his musical tastes. When students have finished researching, have them present their findings to the rest of the class.
Ask students to choose and research a popular song that promotes a social or political agenda. Have them analyze the lyrics and explain any references to current events or issues.
Assign students songs that would have been popular with southerners during the Civil War era. Have students write an essay comparing and contrasting the themes of music that characterized the Union and the Confederacy.
Additional Resources
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Narrator
Tamara Keith
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Audio Producer
Richard Paul
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Producer
Kenny Neal
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Published
August 30, 2019
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Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
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