In this video close reading, Prof. Pinsker\u00a0argues that an under-appreciated turning point of the Civil War occurred on Tuesday, August 23, 1864. \u00a0That was not the date of a battle, but rather of a unique political decision. \u00a0President Lincoln wrote a secret memorandum on that morning which he presented sight unseen to his cabinet officers for their signatures. \u00a0The short document outlined Lincoln’s plans in the event of what he termed the “exceedingly probable” outcome of the 1864 elections –his defeat. \u00a0The so-called “Blind Memorandum” has subsequently entered into Lincoln lore as a sign-post of the gloom surrounding his administration in the summer of 1864. \u00a0However, there are other ways to see this fascinating and complex document. \u00a0Watch the video and decide for yourself what seems the best explanation for Lincoln’s motivation. \u00a0What was he really trying to accomplish by writing the Blind Memorandum?<\/p>\n