"Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Part One: The Rivals
Chapter 1: Four Men Waiting
- Introduces the four main political figures—Abraham Lincoln,
William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates—who will
become Lincoln’s Cabinet members. Each is presented as a viable
presidential candidate in 1860.
Chapter 2: The "Longing to Rise"
- Delves into the personal and professional backgrounds of
these men, highlighting their ambitions and political careers
prior to the 1860 election.
Chapter 3: The Lure of Politics
- Details their motivations for entering politics, their early
successes, and the beginnings of their rivalry.
Chapter 4: "Plunder and Conquest"
- Discusses the political climate leading up to the 1860
election, including key issues like slavery and states’ rights,
and the strategies each candidate employed.
Chapter 5: The Gathering Storm
- Focuses on the increasing tensions between the North and
South and the looming threat of civil war. Each man's stance on
these issues is examined.
Chapter 6: The Rise to Power
- Chronicles the events leading to the Republican Convention
of 1860, where Lincoln secures the nomination despite being
considered an outsider.
Part Two: Master Among Men
Chapter 7: "The Strong Man of the Party"
- Describes Lincoln’s election and the early days of his
presidency, as well as his surprising decision to appoint his
former rivals to key positions in his Cabinet.
Chapter 8: "A Man Knows His Own Name"
- Explores the dynamics within Lincoln’s Cabinet and how he
manages to assert his authority despite initial doubts from his
colleagues.
Chapter 9: "The Great Agony of the Country"
- Examines the early stages of the Civil War and the differing
strategies and opinions within Lincoln’s administration.
Chapter 10: "The Tycoon Is in Fine Whack"
- Highlights Lincoln’s leadership style and how he gains the
respect and loyalty of his Cabinet members, despite their
initial rivalries.
Chapter 11: "I Am Now Public Property"
- Focuses on Lincoln’s personal life, including the loss of
his son Willie, and how he balances personal grief with his
duties as president.
Part Three: The War Years
Chapter 12: "My Boy Is Gone"
- Continues to explore Lincoln’s personal struggles and how
they influence his decisions during the war.
Chapter 13: "He Was Simply Out-Generaled"
- Describes the military challenges and failures faced by the
Union army, and Lincoln’s evolving relationship with his
generals.
Chapter 14: "What Will the Country Say!"
- Examines the political and public reactions to the war,
including criticism of Lincoln’s leadership and decisions.
Chapter 15: "It Was a Terrible Responsibility"
- Discusses the Emancipation Proclamation, its impact on the
war, and the political maneuvering involved in its passage.
Chapter 16: "I Do Not Intend to Be Sacrificed"
- Looks at the internal conflicts within the Cabinet and how
Lincoln manages dissent and opposition.
Chapter 17: "My Troubles Have Just Begun"
- Focuses on the setbacks and challenges Lincoln faces as the
war drags on, including political opposition and the 1864
election.
Chapter 18: "A Sacred Effort"
- Describes Lincoln’s efforts to keep the nation united and
his re-election campaign, culminating in his victory.
Part Four: The End of the War
Chapter 19: "It Was Not Best to Swap Horses"
- Chronicles the final stages of the Civil War and Lincoln’s
determination to see it through to a successful conclusion.
Chapter 20: "The President Is Shot"
- Details the events leading up to Lincoln’s assassination,
including his hopes for post-war reconstruction and healing the
nation.
Chapter 21: "Now He Belongs to the Ages"
- Describes the aftermath of Lincoln’s death, the mourning of
a nation, and the legacy he leaves behind.