Lincoln learns the art of war in hopes that one day Americans will lay down their swords and shields and study war no more. The story spans the Civil War from 1861 through the Fall of Richmond in April 1865.

Lincoln's life from his acceptance of the 1860 Republican nomination for president through his first inauguration, a time which found him navigating stormy seas both politically and personally.

The Civil War over, Lincoln plans Reconstruction with his cabinet and General Grant. Meanwhile, Lincoln suffers unsettling dreams and omens. Lincoln and Mary Todd spend the afternoon of April 14, 1865 looking ahead to a peaceful future.

Lincoln leads his divided nation into the Civil War. Mary Todd's erratic behavior in the wake of Willie's death embarrasses and endangers the president politically when a cabal of senators question her loyalty to the Union.

It's Lincoln for the defense in his first murder trial, an 1838 courtroom battle that set him against longtime rival Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln's law office and his ill-fated engagement to Mary Owens are also dramatized.

Lincoln's laughter, jokes and storytelling erode the confidence of his colleagues. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase and his ambitious daughter Kate embark on an underhanded attempt to undermine Lincoln's 1864 reelection bid.