American Experience Season 13 Episode 9 Abraham and Mary Lincoln: a House Divided (Part 3)

Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided (Part 3) is an episode of American Experience season 13 that explores the complex relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Lincoln during the turbulent times of the Civil War. This episode is the third and final installment of the series and provides a deep dive into the years following the beginning of the Civil War.

The episode begins with the assassination attempt on William Seward, Lincoln's Secretary of State, and the impact it had on the Lincoln family. Mary's fears for her husband's safety become heightened, making her even more controversial than before. The Civil War also creates deep divisions in the Lincoln family as Mary's family (the Todd's) are Confederate sympathizers. Abraham's staunchly Unionist views bring him into conflict with Mary and her family on numerous occasions, but the couple stays together throughout the war, even as Mary becomes more and more estranged from her husband.

As the war rages on and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation becomes official in January 1863, Mary becomes a vocal supporter of the Union cause. She works tirelessly for hospitals and charities to support Union troops and gain political favor for her husband. Despite her efforts, however, Mary cannot win approval from the public and is widely criticized in the press.

As the war begins to wind down, Lincoln is re-elected for a second term, but the couple's happiness is short-lived as the President is assassinated at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. in April 1865. Mary is devastated by the loss of her husband and becomes increasingly unstable in the years following his death. She spends the rest of her life in mourning and dies in 1882.

Overall, Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided (Part 3) is a powerful look at one of the most tumultuous times in American history and the complex personal relationships that shaped it. The episode highlights the deep love and devotion between Abraham and Mary, even as it explores their differences and difficulties. With excellent storytelling and archival footage, this episode is both poignant and informative, providing insights into the often-overlooked personal lives of the Lincolns during this crucial period in American history.