What will I learn about: how the end of the American Civil War in April 1865 triggered a surge of conspiracy plots, demonstrating why assassinations frequently occur at the conclusion of major wars?

Understand how the end of the American Civil War in April 1865 triggered a surge of conspiracy plots, demonstrating why assassinations frequently occur at the conclusion of major wars.

What will I learn about: the desperate final days of the Confederate army, including General Robert E. Lee's failed escape attempt at High Bridge that ultimately forced his historic surrender?

Discover the desperate final days of the Confederate army, including General Robert E. Lee's failed escape attempt at High Bridge that ultimately forced his historic surrender.

What will I learn about: Learn about the bizarre and constant death threats Abraham Lincoln faced before his assassination, ranging from poisoned fruit baskets to a plot involving a yellow fever-infected dress shirt?

Learn about the bizarre and constant death threats Abraham Lincoln faced before his assassination, ranging from poisoned fruit baskets to a plot involving a yellow fever-infected dress shirt.

What will I learn about: Uncover the dark motivations of John Wilkes Booth, whose actions were driven by deeply rooted white supremacist beliefs and a desperate thirst for personal recognition?

Uncover the dark motivations of John Wilkes Booth, whose actions were driven by deeply rooted white supremacist beliefs and a desperate thirst for personal recognition.

What will I learn about: how a simple leak of information by an excited theater manager gave Booth the exact location and perfect opportunity to execute his deadly plan at Ford's Theater?

Find out how a simple leak of information by an excited theater manager gave Booth the exact location and perfect opportunity to execute his deadly plan at Ford's Theater.

Killing Lincoln

The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever

Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard

★ 4.3 / 5(80 ratings)

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Categories:

History

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡Did you know that the plot to kill Abraham Lincoln was actually part of a much larger, more terrifying conspiracy to topple the entire U.S. government in a single night?
💡Have you ever wondered how one of the most famous men in America managed to slip into the President’s private box unnoticed, despite the heightened security of a nation at war?
💡Are you curious about the shocking motives and the pulse-pounding details of the 12-day manhunt that followed the most famous assassination in history?

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Key Takeaways from Killing Lincoln

✓Understand how the end of the American Civil War in April 1865 triggered a surge of conspiracy plots, demonstrating why assassinations frequently occur at the conclusion of major wars.
✓Discover the desperate final days of the Confederate army, including General Robert E. Lee's failed escape attempt at High Bridge that ultimately forced his historic surrender.
✓Learn about the bizarre and constant death threats Abraham Lincoln faced before his assassination, ranging from poisoned fruit baskets to a plot involving a yellow fever-infected dress shirt.
✓Uncover the dark motivations of John Wilkes Booth, whose actions were driven by deeply rooted white supremacist beliefs and a desperate thirst for personal recognition.
✓Find out how a simple leak of information by an excited theater manager gave Booth the exact location and perfect opportunity to execute his deadly plan at Ford's Theater.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Killing Lincoln

Mind Map

Killing Lincoln

Historical Context (April 1865)+

Conspiracies & Threats+

The Assassination (April 14, 1865)+

Aftermath & Manhunt+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7

What was the primary motivation behind John Wilkes Booth's decision to assassinate President Lincoln?

A. He was a Confederate soldier seeking revenge for the massive losses at the Battle of High Bridge.
B. He was driven by white supremacist beliefs and a desire to preserve slavery and the Southern way of life.
C. He was hired by the Knights of the Golden Circle to execute a long-standing plot.
D. He wanted to prevent Lincoln from passing legislation that would permanently divide the nation.

Question 2 of 7

Why did General Robert E. Lee's final escape plan fail in April 1865?

A. His troops were ambushed while attempting to cross the Potomac River in the dark.
B. Union spies intercepted his plans, allowing Union forces to cut off the Confederates before they could cross and burn High Bridge.
C. A severe storm destroyed the food rations waiting for his army in Farmville, Virginia.
D. General Ulysses S. Grant ordered a successful bombing campaign that destroyed the Confederate supply lines.

Question 3 of 7

According to the text, which of the following was a method previously used by conspirators in an attempt to kill President Lincoln?

A. Sending fruit baskets that tested positive for poison.
B. Derailing the presidential train during a trip to Gettysburg.
C. Hiring a sharpshooter to assassinate him during his second inauguration.
D. Sabotaging the carriage he used to travel around Washington.

Question 4 of 7

What specific lapse in security allowed John Wilkes Booth to easily access the President's state box at Ford's Theater?

A. The theater manager deliberately left the door unlocked for Booth.
B. The Secret Service agents were distracted by a staged commotion in the audience.
C. General Ulysses S. Grant's security detail failed to arrive at the theater to secure the perimeter.
D. The President's bodyguard, John Parker, got bored and left his post to get a drink of ale.

Question 5 of 7

While Booth was attacking President Lincoln at Ford's Theater, what was his co-conspirator Lewis Powell doing?

A. Setting a bomb in the basement of the White House.
B. Attempting to assassinate Vice President Andrew Johnson.
C. Attacking Secretary of State William Seward in his bedroom.
D. Waiting with horses outside Ford's Theater to aid Booth's escape.

Question 6 of 7

How did the public's reaction to Lincoln's assassination differ from John Wilkes Booth's expectations?

A. The public largely ignored the event, focusing instead on the end of the Civil War.
B. Instead of being hailed as a hero, Booth was widely characterized as an enemy of the people.
C. The South immediately rose up in a second rebellion, which Booth had not anticipated.
D. The Northern public sympathized with Booth's motives but condemned his violent methods.

Question 7 of 7

What ultimately led to the capture and death of John Wilkes Booth?

A. He succumbed to a severe infection from a broken leg sustained during his escape from the theater.
B. He was identified by local men from wanted photographs, surrounded by soldiers in a farmhouse, and shot in the neck.
C. He was captured alive, tried for treason, and hung alongside his co-conspirator Lewis Powell.
D. He was killed in a shootout with his accomplice David Herold after a disagreement over their escape route.

Killing Lincoln — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
21 — In April 1865, the Civil War’s end is near, but a conspiracy against President Lincoln is taking shape.
32 — Though the Confederate army nearly escapes, it is forced to surrender on April 9, 1865.
43 — Lincoln was used to death threats, while John Wilkes Booth shaped his violent plans.
54 — John Wilkes Booth decides to shoot Lincoln at the theater and puts his plan into action.
65 — On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln and Secretary of State Seward become targets of a violent conspiracy.
76 — Lincoln’s killer, John Wilkes Booth, flees to Maryland but is found and shot dead days later.
87 — Final summary

Killing Lincoln Summary & Overview

Killing Lincoln (2011) tells the story behind the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln, which took place in 1865, shortly after the Confederate army had surrendered, effectively putting an end to the US Civil War. Learn all about the conspirators who plotted the killing, what their motives were and the details surrounding the fateful night at Ford’s Theater.

Who Should Listen to Killing Lincoln?

History buffs
Readers curious about Lincoln’s assassination
Civil War fanatics

About the Author: Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard

Bill O’Reilly is best known for his political commentary show, The O’Reilly Factor, on Fox News. He is also the coauthor of a series of historical books, including Killing Kennedy, Killing Reagan and Killing Jesus.

Martin Dugard is an American author and journalist. With Bill O’Reilly, he coauthored Killing Kennedy, Killing Reagan and Killing Jesus.