IRB #3 - Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever

Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard’s Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever is an history book that reads like a thriller. O’Reilly explains at the very beginning of the book that only few people know the true account of the events that lead up to the murder of America’s well respected 16^th President. The author then guarantees that the contents in the book will disturb the readers, but also teach them how Lincoln’s murder changed the course of American history. To me, Lincoln is a great role model, a hero who had a humble beginning and a legendary ending,  and I always was eager to learn a bit more about his life, or in this case, death. I have heard of many conspiracy theories about the President’s unfortunate fate in the past, and I knew that this book would be perfect for me to reveal what happen during his final days using credible primary and secondary sources. Through this book, I hope to understand the connection between Lincoln’s death and Civil War, the specific causes of animosity toward him, the steps John Wilkes Booth had to take in order for a successful assassination, and the alternative ending had the President lived longer.