Killing Lincoln Summary

"Assassination is frequent at the close of a war, yet its consequences often cascade far beyond the trigger's pull." What chain of events led to the death of Abraham Lincoln, a man tasked with uniting a fractured nation?

1. The End of the War Sparks the Flames of Hatred

In early April 1865, the blood-stained Civil War was inching toward its end after four years of relentless combat. President Abraham Lincoln nurtured hopeful dreams of reconciliation and unity. However, the nation's scars ran deep, and not everyone embraced peace. Volatile factions remained bitter and angry, especially among the defeated Confederates.

The war's conclusion was marked by General Robert E. Lee’s surrender after fierce battles that left the Confederate army drained and powerless. Although peace was on the horizon, it brought more than relief—it stirred resentment in Southern loyalists. Angry Southerners viewed Lincoln as a threat to their way of life, including slavery.

For John Wilkes Booth, a vehement Southern sympathizer and actor, the surrender of Lee symbolized more than defeat—it was a call to action. Booth’s belief in preserving slavery and his unwavering loyalty to the Confederacy motivated him to plot against the president, envisioning himself as the savior of Southern values.

Examples

• Confederate troops, weakened and outnumbered, were forced into surrender after the Union seized Richmond.
• Lincoln’s focus shifted to reuniting the nation, a goal many Southerners fiercely opposed.
• Booth’s ideology was deeply influenced by white supremacy and Confederate loyalty, fueling his desire for revenge.

2. Lincoln Faces Constant Threats but Remains Undeterred

Despite the Civil War's carnage, Lincoln was viewed as a beacon of hope—though not by all. He was no stranger to death threats. From the very start of his presidency, he attracted danger. His calm determination to rebuild the nation didn’t sway those committed to seeing him fall.

Lincoln had survived previous assassination plots, including an attempted shooting before his first inauguration and poisoned fruit sent to the White House. He dismissed concerns with a quiet courage, aware that his mission came with risk.

By 1865, several conspiracies brewed against him. Some conspirators aimed to kidnap him for ransom; others sought more grisly ends. Among these plots was John Wilkes Booth’s, who had transitioned from plans of abduction to a desire to kill Lincoln outright.

Examples

• A fruit basket intended as a gift to Lincoln contained traces of poison.
• The Baltimore Plot of 1861 involved a plan to assassinate him during his train travel to Washington.
• Booth’s shift to murder came after failed attempts to kidnap Lincoln earlier.

3. The South’s Surrender Sets the Stage for Retribution

When Robert E. Lee surrendered on April 9, 1865, the Confederate defeat became official. While joy swept through much of the North, anger and despair darkened the South. The war left the country divided not just geographically but emotionally—pitting reconciliation against revenge.

Though Union general Ulysses S. Grant's strategy outmaneuvered Lee, and despite the surrender’s cessation of combat, the resentment festered. Booth and many others couldn’t accept the outcome, viewing Lincoln as the architect of their downfall.

Booth’s unwavering desire to act was fueled by both the South’s defeat and his own personal thirst for theatrical glory. As a well-known actor, he envisioned his heinous deed as a dramatic act that would cement his place in history.

Examples

• Lee’s failed escape across High Bridge ended with his surrender to Grant.
• A battle on April 6, 1865, saw 8,000 Confederate casualties in just one day.
• Booth’s desire for fame paralleled his belief in avenging the South through a dramatic assassination.

4. Booth’s Theater Background Shapes His Deadly Plan

Ford’s Theater became the setting for one of the most famous assassinations in history. On Good Friday, April 14, 1865, Lincoln attended a play at the theater. The publicized outing sparked a spontaneous plan in Booth, who saw an opportunity for the act he long desired.

Booth’s familiarity with Ford’s Theater, coupled with Lincoln’s lack of secretive security measures, made the effort more attainable. The guard assigned outside Lincoln’s box stepped away to drink, leaving the President vulnerable.

Booth capitalized on this moment. Armed with a tiny Derringer pistol, he slipped into Lincoln’s theater box during the performance. He relied on his actor’s confidence to approach unnoticed, taking advantage of the unprotected space.

Examples

• Lincoln’s bodyguard left his post to fetch ale during the second act of the play.
• Booth had worked in Ford’s Theater before, giving him unique knowledge of its layout.
• By publicizing Lincoln’s appearance, theater staff unintentionally exposed him to danger.

5. A Coordinated Plot Targets Lincoln and Seward

Booth wasn’t the only member of the conspiracy. While he targeted Lincoln, Lewis Powell was tasked with assassinating Secretary of State William Seward. The aim was to cripple the Union government by removing its leadership in a single coordinated attack.

Disguised as a medicine deliveryman, Powell entered Seward’s home and launched a brutal knife attack. Though Seward’s injuries were severe, Powell’s mission failed to achieve its goal. As chaos erupted in multiple locations, the nation's leadership faced a grave threat.

Powell fled, unaware that Seward had survived. Meanwhile, Booth’s gunshot attack left Lincoln fatally wounded, solidifying the conspiracy’s tragic success in taking the President’s life.

Examples

• Powell stabbed Seward in the neck and shoulder while the secretary was bedridden.
• Booth shot Lincoln at close range in Ford’s Theater.
• Both attacks were coordinated to occur simultaneously for maximum disruption.

6. Lincoln Succumbs, Leaving a Nation in Mourning

Despite the quick response of attendee and doctor Charles Leale, Lincoln’s wound was fatal. The president was carried to a nearby boarding house, where he lay unconscious for hours. On April 15, 1865, at 7:21 AM, the United States lost its leader.

News spread rapidly, plunging the nation into mourning. Flags were lowered, and gatherings of grief overtook cities and towns. Vice President Andrew Johnson was sworn in, facing the monumental task of stitching the fractured nation together.

Lincoln’s death underscored the fragility of the peace he sought. While America celebrated an end to the war, they mourned a man who fought tirelessly for unity.

Examples

• Lincoln was carried to the Petersen House, where he spent his final hours.
• Vice President Andrew Johnson immediately assumed the presidency.
• Lincoln’s funeral drew massive crowds, reflecting the public’s grief.

7. Booth’s Escape Was Brief and Fruitless

Booth fled Ford’s Theater, escaping into the Maryland countryside with fellow conspirator David Herold. Injured and hunted, Booth faced physical and emotional torment. He realized the public did not view him as a hero but as the murderer of a beloved president.

The manhunt for Booth intensified, culminating at a farmhouse in Virginia. Cornered by Union soldiers, Booth met his end through a gunshot to the neck, fired by Sergeant Boston Corbett.

In death, Booth achieved infamy rather than the glory he had anticipated.

Examples

• Booth broke his leg during his escape from the theater.
• David Herold surrendered, leaving Booth alone in his final hours.
• Reports characterized Booth as an enemy to democracy, tarnishing his image.

8. Co-Conspirators Faced Justice

The investigation quickly nabbed Booth's accomplices, including Lewis Powell and David Herold, who were both sentenced to hang. Others involved met similar fates, as the Union sought justice for the national tragedy.

The swift response demonstrated that Lincoln's vision of equality and order would remain intact in the face of rebellion. Yet, the trial also reflected the nation’s struggle with morality and retribution.

Examples

• Lewis Powell’s trial underscored the ruthless nature of his role.
• The conspirators’ hangings marked a strong governmental statement.
• Public trials highlighted the lingering tension between justice and revenge.

9. Lincoln’s Legacy Endures Through History

Although his life was cut short, Lincoln’s legacy remains unparalleled. His dedication to unity and equality turned the tide of a divided nation. Though his assassination symbolized unresolved struggles, it also inspired renewed commitment to his ideals.

His leadership during war and his humane treatment toward reconciliation shaped America’s evolution. Despite the tragedy of his death, Lincoln continues to embody resilience and progress.

Examples

• Lincoln’s efforts led directly to the abolition of slavery.
• His speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, echo as a call for equality.
• National monuments commemorate his achievements and life.

Takeaways

1. Always consider how public actions, such as appearances or speeches, might provoke strong, divisive reactions.
2. The presence of strong security measures can mitigate potential risks, even in seemingly safe spaces.
3. In moments of national conflict, leadership and perseverance play critical roles in shaping enduring legacies.