James McPherson LectureOctober 13, 2008 at 7:30–9 p.m.

Pulitzer Prize winning historian James M. McPherson--a Gustavus alumnus and preeminent expert on the American Civil War--will deliver the 2008 Lefler Lecture on the topic of Abraham Lincoln's transformation into the greatest commander in chief in U.S. history. Lacking any military experience, Lincoln nonetheless defined the role for the commander in chief, sometimes stretching Constitutional boundaries in the process. Professor McPherson will examine and evaluate the challenges the president faced as he oversaw military strategy, contended with fractious, reluctant generals, and experienced both moments of defeat and of victory during America's bloodiest war. McPherson's residency on campus as the 2008 Lefler Lecturer will include visits to classes and the public lecture on Monday, October 13, and an open discussion with the public on Lincoln, the Civil War, and Reconstruction on Tuesday morning, October 14.