What Did the President Do in Civil War Movie?
The American Civil War was a pivotal moment in American history, and its depiction on the big screen has captivated audiences for decades. One of the most iconic Civil War movies is "Glory" (1989), directed by Edward Zwick and starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman. The film tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the first all-black regiment in the Union Army, and their bravery in the face of adversity. But what did the president do in this movie?
The President’s Role in the Movie
The president in the movie is Abraham Lincoln, played by Richard Dysart. Lincoln is depicted as a compassionate and principled leader who is deeply troubled by the issue of slavery and the moral implications of the Civil War. Throughout the film, Lincoln is shown to be grappling with the weight of his responsibilities as president, struggling to balance the demands of the war effort with his commitment to ending slavery.
Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation
One of the most significant events in the movie is Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863. This proclamation declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were free, effective on January 1, 1863. The proclamation was a major turning point in the war, as it shifted the focus from preserving the Union to also fighting for the abolition of slavery.
Lincoln’s Leadership During the War
Throughout the movie, Lincoln is shown to be a strong and decisive leader, who is willing to take bold action to achieve his goals. He is depicted as a master strategist, who is able to navigate the complexities of politics and war to achieve his objectives. Lincoln’s leadership is particularly evident in his dealings with his generals, such as Ulysses S. Grant, who is played by Peter O’Toole.
Lincoln’s Relationship with Frederick Douglass
Another significant character in the movie is Frederick Douglass, a former slave and prominent abolitionist. Douglass is played by Andre Braugher and is depicted as a trusted advisor to Lincoln. The two men have a deep and respectful relationship, with Douglass serving as a source of wisdom and guidance for Lincoln.
Lincoln’s Assassination
The movie ends with Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The assassination is a devastating blow to the nation, and the movie ends with a sense of loss and uncertainty.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways from the movie:
- Lincoln’s commitment to ending slavery: The movie highlights Lincoln’s deep commitment to ending slavery, and his willingness to take bold action to achieve this goal.
- Lincoln’s leadership during the war: The movie shows Lincoln as a strong and decisive leader, who is able to navigate the complexities of politics and war to achieve his objectives.
- Lincoln’s relationship with Frederick Douglass: The movie highlights the deep and respectful relationship between Lincoln and Douglass, and the important role that Douglass played in advising Lincoln.
- The significance of the Emancipation Proclamation: The movie emphasizes the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation, and its role in shifting the focus of the war from preserving the Union to also fighting for the abolition of slavery.
Comparison to Real-Life Events
Here is a comparison of the movie to real-life events:
| Event | Movie | Real-Life |
|---|---|---|
| Emancipation Proclamation | Issued in January 1863 | Issued in January 1863 |
| Lincoln’s leadership | Depicted as strong and decisive | Historically, Lincoln was known for his strong leadership |
| Frederick Douglass | Depicted as a trusted advisor | Douglass did serve as an advisor to Lincoln |
| Lincoln’s assassination | Depicted as occurring on April 14, 1865 | Occurred on April 14, 1865 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie "Glory" provides a powerful and moving portrayal of the American Civil War, and the role that President Lincoln played in it. The movie highlights Lincoln’s commitment to ending slavery, his leadership during the war, and his relationship with Frederick Douglass. While some artistic liberties were taken with the movie, it is clear that Lincoln’s leadership and commitment to ending slavery were instrumental in shaping the outcome of the war.
