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Characters Characters

Abraham Lincoln

Historic
Pragmatic, determined

Daniel Day-Lewis's portrayal of Lincoln is widely praised for its accuracy. The film focuses on Lincoln's political maneuvering to pass the 13th Amendment, and his character aligns with historical accounts of his pragmatism and determination.

Thaddeus Stevens

Historic
Radical, principled

Thaddeus Stevens's radical views on abolition and racial equality are accurately depicted. His role in pushing for the 13th Amendment is consistent with historical records.

Mary Todd Lincoln

Partly historic
Emotional, supportive

Mary Todd Lincoln's emotional state and her support for her husband are portrayed, but some aspects of her character are dramatized. While her emotional struggles are known, the degree to which they are amplified is up to some debate.

Robert Lincoln

Historic
Dutiful, conflicted

Robert Lincoln's portrayal reflects his role as a dutiful son and his internal conflicts during the Civil War. His desire to serve in the military and his complex relationship with his father are accurately portrayed.

William Seward

Historic
Strategic, loyal

William Seward's strategic mind and his loyalty to Lincoln are accurately depicted. His role as Secretary of State and his contributions to the passage of the 13th Amendment are consistent with historical accounts.

Preston Blair

Historic
Mediator, political

Preston Blair's role as a mediator between the Union and the Confederacy is historically accurate. His attempts to negotiate peace are consistent with historical records.

More characters

Fernando Wood

Historic
Opponent, political

Fernando Wood's opposition to the 13th Amendment and his pro-slavery views are accurately depicted. His role as a political opponent of Lincoln is consistent with historical accounts.

The role of African Americans

Partly true

The film includes some African American characters and their perspectives on the struggle for freedom. While these characters are often fictionalized, they represent the real hopes and experiences of African Americans during this period.

Story Story

Passage of the 13th Amendment

True

The film accurately depicts the historical struggle and political maneuvering involved in the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. This was a real and crucial event in American history.

Lincoln's relationship with his family

Partly true

The film portrays Lincoln's relationship with his wife and sons. While based on some historical information, these relationships are dramatized for the film, and some details may be fictionalized.

The negotiations for peace

Partly true

The film depicts the attempts to negotiate peace during the Civil War. While based on historical events, some details of these negotiations are fictionalized for dramatic purposes.

The use of patronage

True

The film depicts the use of patronage and political favors in securing votes for the 13th Amendment. This was a common practice in politics at the time, and the film's portrayal is generally accurate.

The opposition to the 13th Amendment

True

The film accurately portrays the strong opposition to the 13th Amendment, particularly from some Democrats and even some Republicans. This opposition was a real historical force.

The depiction of the House of Representatives

Good depiction

The film's portrayal of the debates and votes in the House of Representatives regarding the 13th Amendment is generally accurate and captures the atmosphere of the time.

Lincoln's speeches

Partly true

The film incorporates some of Lincoln's actual speeches, but it also takes some liberties in how these speeches are presented and the context in which they are delivered.

The ending of the Civil War

True

The film briefly touches on the end of the Civil War, which is a real historical event.

Lincoln's assassination

Omission

While the film ends before Lincoln's assassination, this event is a significant part of his historical legacy and an unfortunate omission from the narrative. Its absence helps to focus the narrative on the 13th Amendment.

Setting Setting

The political climate of the time

Good depiction

The film effectively captures the political divisions and tensions of the Civil War era, including the debates surrounding slavery and the efforts to end it.