Abraham Lincoln, widely known as the 16th President of the United States, is often remembered for his role in leading the country through the Civil War and for signing the Emancipation Proclamation, which eventually led to the abolishment of slavery. However, there is a little-known fact about Lincoln that may come as a surprise to many: he was a big fan of John Wilkes Booth, the man who would later assassinate him.
Abraham Lincoln’s admiration for John Wilkes Booth
It may seem unimaginable that Lincoln, who was widely loved and respected by the American people, could have harbored admiration for the man who would become his assassin. However, historical records indicate that Lincoln was indeed a fan of Booth’s acting abilities. In fact, the President had seen Booth perform on stage numerous times and once even personally requested him to present a popular soliloquy from Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet.
Booth’s rise to fame
John Wilkes Booth, a prominent stage actor in the mid-19th century, was considered to be one of the most handsome and talented actors of his time. He had garnered widespread fame for his performances in Shakespearean plays and was particularly known for his role as the lead character in the play “Richard III.”
The turning point
Despite Lincoln’s initial adoration for Booth’s acting skills, their relationship took a dark turn when Booth joined the Confederate cause during the Civil War. This decision put a strain on their previously amicable interactions, and Booth’s disdain for Lincoln’s policies and the Union cause began to grow.
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln
On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth took his admiration for Lincoln to a murderous extreme when he assassinated the President at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The tragic event sent shockwaves across the nation, leading to a manhunt that ended with Booth’s death at the hands of the authorities.
FAQ About Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth
1. Was Abraham Lincoln aware of John Wilkes Booth’s political beliefs?
– Yes, Lincoln was aware of Booth’s Confederate sympathies and was cautious in his dealings with him, despite being a fan of his acting.
2. How did the public react to Lincoln’s friendship with Booth?
– The public was shocked and dismayed to learn about Lincoln’s admiration for Booth, especially in light of the latter’s role in the President’s assassination.
3. Did Lincoln’s fondness for Booth impact the investigation into his assassination?
– There is no evidence to suggest that Lincoln’s admiration for Booth had any direct impact on the investigation into his assassination.
4. What was Booth’s motive for assassinating Lincoln?
– Booth was motivated by his fervent support of the Confederate cause and his desire to undermine the Union’s leadership by targeting Lincoln.
5. How did Lincoln’s assassination impact the nation?
– Lincoln’s assassination had a profound and lasting impact on the nation, leading to a period of mourning and ultimately shaping the course of Reconstruction following the Civil War.
