1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History (Simon & Schuster Lincoln Library)

At the beginning of 1864, the Civil War was far from won; terrible and bloody Union setbacks and casualties lay ahead. But as Lincoln and the nation ended the year, the war’s end was in sight and slavery was on the verge of extinction. And, despite all the turmoil of war and political infighting, Lincoln also set the stage for a new era of westward expansion. .