The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Discuss the career of author Eric Foner and the publication of "The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery". What awards has the book earned? How has it been received by critics and the public?

2. Discuss the origins of slavery in the United States. Where in the early nation did slavery flourish and expand? Why?

3. Discuss the slavery laws of Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois during Lincoln's childhood. How did the laws differ from the South to the North?

4. Discuss Abraham Lincoln's early exposure to slavery and his impressions as a child...
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