Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Definition

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates were a series of seven debates held in 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas during their campaign for the U.S. Senate from Illinois. These debates focused primarily on the issue of slavery and its expansion into the territories, highlighting the contrasting views of Lincoln, who opposed the spread of slavery, and Douglas, who advocated for popular sovereignty. The debates gained national attention and played a significant role in shaping public opinion on slavery leading up to the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates were held during the summer and fall of 1858 across seven different locations in Illinois, drawing large crowds and extensive media coverage.
2. These debates were pivotal in establishing Abraham Lincoln as a prominent national figure, even though he lost the Senate race to Douglas.
3. Lincoln argued that slavery was morally wrong and should not be allowed to expand into new territories, while Douglas maintained that each territory should decide its own stance on slavery.
4. The debates emphasized the deep divisions within American society over the issue of slavery and foreshadowed the impending conflict that would lead to the Civil War.
5. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates set a new standard for political discourse in America, showcasing the importance of public debate in democracy and influencing future political campaigns.

Review Questions

• How did the Lincoln-Douglas Debates impact Abraham Lincoln's political career and his views on slavery?
  • The Lincoln-Douglas Debates significantly impacted Abraham Lincoln's political career by elevating his profile on a national scale, even though he lost the Senate election. Through these debates, Lincoln articulated his strong opposition to the expansion of slavery, which resonated with many Americans concerned about moral and social issues. This visibility helped pave the way for his eventual nomination and election as president in 1860.
• Discuss the contrasting viewpoints presented by Lincoln and Douglas during the debates regarding the issue of slavery.
  • During the debates, Lincoln argued against the expansion of slavery into new territories, emphasizing its moral implications and advocating for a free society where all individuals could work without bondage. In contrast, Douglas promoted the idea of popular sovereignty, insisting that local settlers should determine whether or not to permit slavery. This fundamental disagreement highlighted the growing sectional divide in America and set the stage for future conflicts over slavery.
• Evaluate how the Lincoln-Douglas Debates contributed to shaping public opinion on slavery and their role in leading up to the Civil War.
  • The Lincoln-Douglas Debates played a crucial role in shaping public opinion on slavery by bringing national attention to its moral and political implications. The intense exchanges between Lincoln and Douglas allowed citizens to engage directly with these pivotal issues, fostering deeper discussions across the nation. As more people became aware of differing perspectives on slavery, tensions heightened, ultimately contributing to a climate ripe for conflict, which culminated in the Civil War just a few years later.

Related terms

Popular Sovereignty: A political doctrine that asserted that the people living in a territory should have the right to decide whether or not to allow slavery.

Free Soil Party: A political party formed in the mid-1800s that opposed the expansion of slavery into the western territories, advocating for free land and free labor.

Dred Scott Decision: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1857 that ruled that African Americans were not citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories.