1865
April 15, 1865. President Lincoln is dead and the country in turmoil.
Secretary of War Edwin Stanton takes control, determined to bring the assassin to justice—but the hunt for John Wilkes Booth isn’t all that grips Stanton.
Lincoln’s successor, Vice President Andrew Johnson, is likely to bend to southern interests and undo the very progress for which Lincoln died. Edwin Stanton must employ every bit of political wile he can muster to secure the future of the freed slaves, and the nation.
Consumed by his conviction, Stanton will betray his friends, his honor, and the very constitution he is sworn to protect, all to steer the country towards justice.
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Our Editor's Take
The Civil War was a brutal challenge to American resilience. Its result was a triumphant affirmation of the ideals that formed the country. The years following the Civil War were fragile yet often forgotten. Much is at stake, including the newfound freedom of the once enslaved. In this moment of uncertainty, John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.
The fallout is immense as a country and the lives of its people hang in the balance. Turmoil ensues, and someone needs to take charge. Determined to bring John Wilkes Boothe to justice, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton pursues the assassin. But that's not all Stanton is dead set on accomplishing.
Consumed by the fear of the unknown, Stanton takes it upon himself to secure the future of war-torn America. His goal is to ensure the freed enslaved people stay free and the country remains on course.
Follow along as 1865 explores post-Lincoln America through a gripping historical fiction. How far will Stanton go to achieve his vision? What will the consequences of his defiance to new president Andrew Johnson be? Can the country survive yet another huge blow to its unity?
This podcast seeks to answer these questions and more. It is an entertaining and exciting way to dive deep into this vital era of American history. It may be fiction, but the power of 1865 is real. The storytelling is intense. The subject matter is timeless. Betrayal, tension, and shocking twists saturate the plot.
For history buffs and fiction lovers, the appeal of 1865 is universal, and its story is as powerful as ever. The outlook may be dark, but the silver lining shines bright.
