In the final winter of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln risks a fragile coalition and the chance of an early peace to force an amendment abolishing slavery through a divided House of Representatives.
- Scenes 1–7
The reelected president balances military command, popular affection and a household wounded by grief.
- Scenes 8–13
Lincoln needs a durable constitutional abolition measure and commits to passing it before the term ends.
- Scenes 14–16
Radical allies and discreet patronage operatives join the campaign as the amendment enters House debate.
- Scenes 17–84
Lincoln bargains, delays peace commissioners, confronts family costs and defends the vote against postponement.
- Scenes 85–90
The House passes the amendment and the victory enters the private lives of Lincoln and Stevens.
- Just before
- Scene 88
Stevens struggles against the celebrating crowds on his way home.
- Scene 89
Stevens gives Lydia Smith the amendment, calling it a great measure passed by corruption and aided by Lincoln.
- Scene 90
Stevens and Lydia share a bed, and she reads the adopted amendment aloud to him.
- Scene 91
This scene
