New Documentary Explores The Moment In Abraham Lincoln’s Political Rise That Changed American History Forever

The documentary “Right Makes Might” produced by Madison McQueen Films and distributed by Exploration Films explores the philosophical questions surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s ascent to political power through the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858.

The film is narrated by Dr. Allen Guelzo and features Drs. Lucas Morel of Washington & Lee University, Michael Burlingame of the University of Illinois Springfield, and Charles Kesler of Claremont McKenna College who provide expert analysis of one of the most important yet understated events in U.S. history. The professors argue that if Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln had not engaged in these debates, or if they had gone differently, key events central to the country’s trajectory may not have occurred, or they would have occurred through vastly different means.

The debate in Freeport, Illinois, is a notable example of how events might have turned out differently. Here, Lincoln forced Douglas to publicly reconcile the doctrine of popular sovereignty he championed, which held that residents of new territories should determine whether slavery was allowed or not through popular ascension, with the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision, which held that Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in new territories.

In the Freeport debate, Douglas indicated that popular sovereignty would enable settlers to prohibit slavery if that was the direct will of the people. This move alienated Southern Democrats who regarded Dred Scott as a form of legal insurance that their financial interests and “property” would remain secure. Consequently, the schism in the Democratic Party paved the way for Lincoln’s ascension to the presidency. Had Lincoln not bested Douglas in this debate, he might not have gained the momentum required to win the presidency.

Despite his less than a year of formal education, Lincoln sought to communicate the moral philosophy that underpinned America’s founding in ways that anyone could understand. His approach, founded on humility and a reverence for the belief that all men are created equal, enabled him to rhetorically outperform Stephen Douglas and rise to the pinnacle of American political power.

“Right Makes Might,” produced by people with a deep regard for this part of US history, offers an honest perspective on this era through the insightful analysis of the featured academics. Their comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and adept explanation of complex cultural and political issues that are crucial for understanding this era set this documentary apart from others.

The retrospective assessments of modern times often present a distorted view of American history, encouraging people to despise their heritage. “Right Makes Might” offers an honest, unwavering perspective that is equally comfortable and endearing.

“Right Makes Might” is available to stream on Exploration Films’ streaming service, exploreflix.

Samuel Mangold-Lenett, a staff editor at The Federalist, is a 2022 Claremont Institute Publius Fellow. His work has appeared in Town hall, the American Spectator, and the Daily Wire, among other outlets. Follow him on Twitter @Mangold_Lenett.

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