America250! Lincoln and the Declaration
From History As It Happens by Martin Di Caro
June 2, 2026 · 46 min
About this episode
This episode explores the conflicting interpretations of the Declaration of Independence during the slavery debate, featuring historian James Oakes discussing Abraham Lincoln's views.
Subscribe now for ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content! This is the fifth episode in an occasional series for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, America's semiquincentennial. Americans have always contested the meanings and purpose of the Revolution. During the 1850s, both unionists and secessionists, the anti-slavery movement and pro-slavery stalwarts, cited the Declaration of Independence to defend their positions. How could Americans who were on opposite sides of the all-important slavery conflict cite the same document invoking fundamental human equality? In this episode, historian James Oakes takes us into the mind of Abraham Lincoln, who reached back to 1776 to denounce the South's peculiar institution. Recommended reading: The Radical and the Republican: Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and the Triumph of Antislavery Politics by James Oakes Further listening (America250 series): Episode 1 w/ Lindsay Chervinsky Episode 2 w/ Kate Carté Episode 3 w/ Alan Taylor Episode 4 w/ Lindsay Chervinsky
People in this episode
Host: Martin Di Caro
Guest: James Oakes
Topics covered
- Declaration of Independence
- Abraham Lincoln
- slavery
- American Revolution
- historical interpretation
Keywords
- Declaration of Independence
- Abraham Lincoln
- slavery
- James Oakes
- American history
- semquincentennial
- historical debate
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Radical and the Republican: Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and the Triumph of Antislavery Politics
Places: America
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