Jeremi Suri on Civil War, Slavery, and Democracy | Lex Fridman Podcast

Government and Institutions

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  There's a need to believe in our government and be part of the solution, while acknowledging and addressing the deep flaws in our institutions.
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  The need for a pluralistic society that encourages different modes of thought and works through disagreement.
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  Lincoln's brilliance in emancipating the slaves was not just based on moral value, but also on how it would benefit the North, using the argument of bringing in former slaves to serve their own interests.
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  "Let's make this clear. We claim to be the greatest 21st century democracy, and we still vote like the 19th century."
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  "I found I had not thought deeply enough about the roots of [Trump and January 6th] in our society, because I don't believe Trump or one figure creates these kinds of movements. They come out of a deeper history."
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  The storming of the US Capitol on January 6th was a coup d'etat, attempting to prevent elected officials from doing their job and is a big deal in terms of undermining democracy.

Historical Lessons and Impact

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  Studying history provides us with valuable stories that give us structure, morality, and political value.
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  History teaches us that human beings are capable of both great harm and great progress, highlighting the importance of leadership and institutions in guiding and civilizing society.
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  War can sometimes provide opportunities for marginalized groups to prove themselves as citizens and challenge prejudices, as seen with African Americans and Jews during World War II.
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  History has a lasting impact on human interactions, both good and bad, and it's important to recognize and understand the darker aspects of human nature, such as white nationalism and supremacism.
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  Studying the failures of a country is crucial for improvement and growth, as it allows us to learn from mistakes and cultivate real courage.

Civil War and Democracy

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  The courage and determination of over 100,000 former slaves who became Union soldiers during the Civil War is an inspiring story of human desire for freedom and self-improvement.
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  Abraham Lincoln's brilliance was in building on the core ideas of the Founding Documents and turning the Union position into the defense of freedom, democracy, and justice.
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  The Civil War showcased the resilience of societies and the power of hate to drive people to fight, while also demonstrating the ability of empathetic figures like Lincoln and Grant to rise above the horror and build empathy.
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  Lincoln's diplomatic skills were crucial in preventing British intervention in the Civil War, as he used a combination of threats and outreach to convince them that aligning with the Union would be more beneficial.
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  The Union victory in the Civil War was the better outcome, as a Confederate victory would have encouraged slavery and hindered progressive reforms such as public education and health codes.