1. According to this documentary, what were Abraham Lincoln’s thoughts on the Civil War? What does his famous quote “a house divided cannot stand” mean?

2. The Emancipation Proclamation declared that unless Confederates put down their arms and come back to the Union, then starting January 1, 1863, all slaves in the south would be freed. Lincoln used his power as Commander-in-Chief to confiscate property of southerners – the slaves.

Was this an acceptable use of power in your opinion? Why or why not?

3. In the summer of 1862, Lincoln’s cabinet did not want him to sign the Emancipation Proclamation while the Union was losing because it looked like a desperate move. They told him to wait until they had a victory. Do you agree with the cabinet’s opinion? Why or why not?

4. Although Antietam was not a clear victory for the Union, Lincoln’s advisors told him it was sufficient enough to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. If Antietam had not occurred, do you think the Emancipation Proclamation would have been signed? Why or why not?

5. In 1862, some European leaders considered supporting the Confederates. How did the battle at Antietam change this?

6. What effect do you feel Antietam had on the public’s morale and attitude about the war?

7. What images or ideas in this documentary did you find most compelling? Most surprising?

8. If you had to describe the importance of the battle at Antietam to someone five years younger than you, what would you say?

9.  Why is Antietam considered a turning point in American history? What other Civil War events and battles do you think were equally or more important?