What party was the president in the Civil War movie? This question often arises among viewers who are fascinated by the historical inaccuracies or omissions present in cinematic portrayals of the American Civil War. While the Civil War movie genre encompasses a wide range of films, some notable examples, such as “Glory,” “Gettysburg,” and “Lincoln,” have depicted the political landscape of the era. However, determining the political affiliation of the president in these movies can be a complex task, as filmmakers often take creative liberties to enhance the narrative or emphasize certain themes.
In “Glory,” the 1989 film directed by Edward Zwick, the president portrayed is Abraham Lincoln, who is a member of the Whig Party. However, it is important to note that Abraham Lincoln was actually a member of the Whig Party when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1846. By the time he became president in 1861, the Whig Party had dissolved, and Lincoln was a member of the newly formed Republican Party. This discrepancy in political affiliation is a result of the film’s creative liberties and the emphasis on the struggle for equality and the abolition of slavery, which were central themes of the Civil War.
In “Gettysburg,” the 1993 film directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, the president portrayed is also Abraham Lincoln. However, the film does not explicitly state Lincoln’s political party. While it is widely known that Lincoln was a member of the Republican Party during the Civil War, the film focuses more on the political and social issues surrounding the conflict rather than on Lincoln’s political background. This approach allows the film to delve deeper into the complex factors that led to the Civil War and its aftermath.
“Lincoln,” the 2012 film directed by Steven Spielberg, takes a more accurate approach to portraying Abraham Lincoln’s political party. The film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, shows Lincoln as a member of the Republican Party, emphasizing his efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery. This depiction aligns with historical records and accurately reflects Lincoln’s political stance during the Civil War.
Overall, while the question of what party the president was in the Civil War movie may seem simple, the answer can vary depending on the film and its director’s intentions. By exploring the portrayal of political parties in these movies, we can gain a better understanding of how filmmakers interpret history and what themes they choose to emphasize in their narratives.
