Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

Describe how the women in Team of Rivals helped to enhance the stature and position of their husbands and fathers. How did they use their powers to gain influence?

Compare and contrast how William Seward and Salmon P Chase managed their political ambitions following Lincoln’s nomination and election in to the presidency in 1860.

Highlight and discuss some of Lincoln’s shortcomings in his management of the Civil War and the politics surrounding it.

Discuss some of the aspects of American foreign policy as it existed under Lincoln and Seward. What were some crises faced? How were these situations handled?

Team of Rivals is an exploration of the skill of Abraham Lincoln in managing people and egos. How did he handle slights, disagreement, and disloyalty among his cabinet members?

How did politicians in the North propose to deal with the prospect of ending slavery?

Discuss the reasons why Lincoln became the Republican nominee for President in 1860. How did he beat more notable candidates like William Seward, Edward Bates, or Salmon P. Chase?

Name and discuss some of the acts of Congress and compromises that Kearns Goodwin writes about in Team of Rivals. What did these legislative matters attempt to solve? Who proposed them? What was their outcome? How did they effect the 1860 Presidential election?