Ep 2. Killing Lincoln
- February 17, 2013
In National Geographic Documentaries Season 2013 Episode 2, titled "Killing Lincoln," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most tragic moments in American history. Through captivating reenactments, expert interviews, and rare archival footage, the episode explores the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the aftermath that followed.
The episode starts by introducing viewers to the political climate of the time, highlighting the tensions that existed between the North and the South during the Civil War. It then delves into the plot to assassinate Lincoln, led by actor John Wilkes Booth and several co-conspirators.
Viewers are shown how Booth and his accomplices meticulously planned the attack, which ultimately took place at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865. Through dramatic reenactments, viewers are transported back in time to witness the events of that fateful night.
As Lincoln watched a performance of the play "Our American Cousin," Booth made his way to the presidential box and fired his pistol at the president. The episode does not shy away from the graphic nature of the assassination, showing the immediate aftermath and the chaos that ensued.
From there, the episode explores the manhunt for Booth and his fellow conspirators, revealing how they were eventually caught and brought to justice. It also looks at the impact that Lincoln's death had on the nation, both in the immediate aftermath and in the years and decades that followed.
Expert interviews with historians and other scholars provide valuable context and insight throughout the episode, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the political and cultural implications of Lincoln's assassination. Rare archival footage, including photos and paintings from the era, add a compelling visual element to the storytelling.
Overall, "Killing Lincoln" is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history or true crime. It offers a fascinating and detailed look at one of the most significant moments in the nation's past, shedding new light on the events and people involved.
