Lincoln

In January 1865, President Abraham Lincoln embarks on a crucial mission to secure the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. This amendment is pivotal as it aims to formally abolish slavery in the United States, a move Lincoln sees as essential before the conclusion of the Civil War.

As the end of the Civil War approaches, Lincoln becomes increasingly anxious about the future of his 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. He fears that once the war concludes, the courts may invalidate his proclamation, potentially leading to the return of slavery if the Thirteenth Amendment isn't passed in time.

Lincoln faces significant opposition from Radicals within his party who are concerned about the potential defeat of the amendment. The uncertainty among border-state Republicans complicates matters as they weigh ending the war against the commitment to abolish slavery.

With many Democratic congressmen now lame ducks following electoral defeats, Lincoln realizes that their support is critical for the passage of the amendment. Some of his advisors propose delaying the vote until the new Congress convenes, but Lincoln is determined to act swiftly.

Lincoln seeks support from Francis Preston Blair, a pivotal figure in the Republican Party, to sway conservative Republicans from western and border states. Blair's desire to initiate peace talks with the Confederacy creates tension as radical Republicans push for an uncompromising stance against slavery.

Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward engage diligently in negotiations to secure votes from Democratic congressmen. They realize that the lame ducks may vote freely and, even though no bribes can be offered, they hint at potential federal jobs to sway them.

With the vote approaching, Lincoln instructs his team to ensure Confederate negotiators are kept away from Washington. Tensions rise as rumors circulate about Confederate representatives in the capital, which threaten to derail the voting process on the amendment.

In a strategic move, Thaddeus Stevens moderates his usual rhetoric on racial equality just before the vote, aiming to bolster the prospects of the amendment. His efforts reflect the delicate balance needed to gather sufficient support for such a consequential legislative change.

Despite escalating calls for a delay in the vote due to the perceived presence of Confederate envoys, Lincoln firmly denies any such claims. The vote for the Thirteenth Amendment proceeds successfully, passing by a narrow margin of two votes, marking a historic moment.

Following the amendment's passage, Lincoln meets privately with Confederate representatives. During this discussion, he asserts unequivocally that the restoration of slavery will not be entertained as the North unites around the newly ratified amendment.

A month after the vote, Lincoln visits the battlefield in Petersburg, Virginia, to confer with General Grant. This meeting comes just as Grant prepares to accept General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, signaling a major turning point in the war.

On the evening of April 14, 1865, Lincoln is engaged in discussions with his cabinet regarding the enfranchisement of African Americans. However, the night takes a tragic turn when he is shot during a performance at Ford's Theatre.

The following morning, Lincoln's physician confirms the tragic news of his passing from the gunshot wound. His sudden death shocks the nation and casts a pall over the hard-won efforts to abolish slavery, as the country mourns the loss of its leader.

The film concludes with a poignant flashback to Lincoln's second inaugural address. This reflective moment encapsulates the weight of his legacy and the profound changes he sought to bring to the nation during one of its most tumultuous times.