American Experience Season 13 Episode 8 Abraham and Mary Lincoln: a House Divided (Part 2)

Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided (Part 2) is the eighth episode of the thirteenth season of American Experience. In this episode, the focus is on the tumultuous personal lives of one of America's most famous couples, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary.

The episode begins with the start of the Civil War and the challenges that both Abraham and Mary face during this time. While Abraham focuses on leading the country through the war, Mary struggles with the loss of their son, Willie, and her own mental instability.

The episode delves into the complex relationship between Abraham and Mary, exploring their differences in temperament, outlook on life, and approach to dealing with the war. While Abraham is focused on the bigger picture, fighting for the survival of the country, Mary is consumed with the pain of losing her son. This creates tension between the couple, further exacerbated by Mary's eccentricities and Abraham's political responsibilities.

As the war progresses, Mary's mental health continues to deteriorate, and her behavior becomes increasingly erratic. She begins to overspend and makes reckless decisions that put the family's financial stability in jeopardy. Abraham is forced to intervene, both to protect their finances and to protect Mary from herself.

Throughout the episode, American Experience offers a nuanced look at both Abraham and Mary, showing them as complex individuals with flaws and strengths. The show explores the complicated factors that contributed to their relationship, including their differing backgrounds and personalities, as well as the enormous pressure of living through one of the most challenging periods in American history.

The episode also features interviews with scholars and experts and draws upon a range of primary sources, including letters and diaries, to bring the story of Abraham and Mary Lincoln to life. American Experience does an excellent job of weaving together multiple strands of narrative to create a nuanced, engaging, and illuminating portrait of this iconic couple.

In Conclusion, Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided (Part 2) is an insightful and informative episode of American Experience. The show provides a fascinating glimpse into the personal lives of two of the most famous figures in American history, shedding light on their complex marriage, the challenges they faced during a time of great national crisis, and the impact of their decisions and actions on the course of American history.