Stream now with KPBS Passport on KPBS+ / Watch Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV
The Wide Awakes were a Republican para-military organization distinguished from other political clubs of the 19th century by their youth, effectiveness, and distinctive uniforms. Established by young men in the Northern States and politically inspired to take a stance against slavery, the Wide Awakes launched a nationwide movement that was willing to do whatever it took to fulfill their mission — and help change the course of American history in the process.
"Fighting for Lincoln: The Wide Awakes," examines the history and consequence of the group instrumental in electing Abraham Lincoln president in 1860. Throughout the 1860 election, the Wide Awakes held mass rallies, marches and demonstrations to combat slave power. Appealing to a generation disillusioned by the political instability of the 1850s, the organization offered young Northerners a sense of structure, belonging and political identity.
Combining contemporary new media and unrepentant partisanship to mobilize hundreds of thousands to their cause, these tactics were an early and wildly successful example of mass politics. Learn more about this activist machine that some say delivered the presidency to Abraham Lincoln.
Watch On Your Schedule: "Fighting for Lincoln: The Wide Awakes" is available to stream with KPBS+, a new free streaming video app designed for ease and enjoyment everywhere you watch including Roku, smart TVs and mobile devices. It’s locally curated for San Diego by the KPBS programming team. With a clean and intuitive design, discovering and enjoying KPBS and PBS content on-demand has never been easier.
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Credits: Acquired by American Public Television from Curiosity Stream, Inc. for syndication to public television stations nationwide.
