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1. Describe Abraham Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln is the 16th President of the United States. A yeoman lawyer, Lincoln is not prepared for the necessity to assert government power over a country at war. He relies on the advice of his cabinet, particularly his Secretary of State William H. Seward in dealing with the larger issues of governmental interference in civil liberties. Lincoln is most famously known for his Emancipation Proclamation that outlaws slavery in the United States. However, his other actions during the Civil War, including his suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, also have long lasting effects on American politics.

2. Why do mobs from Baltimore burn bridges in 1861?

In April of 1961, mobs from Baltimore burn bridges to prevent troops from Massachusetts passing through to Washington, DC. Many Americans erroneously believe that only citizens south of the Mason-Dixon line opposed Lincoln during the Civil War. However, Northern Democrats do not support most of Lincoln's policies. In Maryland, groups of protesting citizens attempt to stop the advancement of Union troops by disabling key bridges along their path.

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