The Great Debate of 1858
The Great Debate of 1858 was a series of seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, two prominent politicians vying for a seat in the United States Senate representing Illinois. The debates took place in various cities across Illinois from August to October of 1858 and were attended by thousands of people.
Introduction to Lincoln and Douglas
Abraham Lincoln was a Republican and former congressman from Illinois who was known for his opposition to the expansion of slavery. Stephen A. Douglas, a Democrat and incumbent senator from Illinois, was known for his support of popular sovereignty, the idea that the people in a territory should decide whether or not to allow slavery.
Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 was a controversial piece of legislation that allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether or not to allow slavery. The act was proposed by Stephen A. Douglas and was seen as a way to promote western expansion and appease southern interests. The act ultimately led to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery advocates in Kansas, known as "Bleeding Kansas."
Slavery and its Expansion
Slavery and its expansion were major topics of discussion in the debates between Lincoln and Douglas. Lincoln argued that slavery was a moral evil that should not be allowed to spread any further than it already had, while Douglas argued that it should be up to the people in each territory to decide for themselves.
The Dred Scott Decision
The Dred Scott Decision was a Supreme Court ruling in 1857 that stated that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be citizens of the United States and had no right to sue in federal court. The decision also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, effectively opening up all territories to slavery. The decision was a major catalyst for the debates between Lincoln and Douglas.
Popular Sovereignty
Popular sovereignty, the idea that the people in a territory should decide whether or not to allow slavery, was a key issue in the debates between Lincoln and Douglas. Lincoln argued that popular sovereignty was flawed because it allowed a minority to impose their will on a majority, while Douglas argued that it was the only fair way to decide the issue.
Lincoln’s Views on Slavery
Lincoln believed that slavery was a moral evil and that it should be contained and eventually abolished. He argued that the founding fathers had intended for slavery to be limited to the states where it already existed and that any attempt to expand it was a violation of the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
Douglas’ Views on Slavery
Douglas believed that slavery was a matter for the states to decide and that the federal government should not interfere. He argued that the Constitution protected the rights of slaveholders and that any attempt to restrict those rights was a violation of the Constitution.
The Role of the Federal Government
The role of the federal government was a major point of contention in the debates between Lincoln and Douglas. Lincoln believed that the federal government had a duty to take action to end slavery, while Douglas believed that the federal government should not interfere with the rights of the states.
Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863, declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. The proclamation was a major turning point in the Civil War and a reflection of Lincoln’s commitment to ending slavery.
The Impact of the Debates
The debates between Lincoln and Douglas were some of the most important in American history. They helped to shape public opinion on the issue of slavery and set the stage for the Civil War. They also cemented Lincoln’s reputation as a skilled debater and helped to propel him to the presidency in 1860.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Lincoln and Douglas
The legacy of Lincoln and Douglas is a complex one. While both men played important roles in shaping American history, their views on slavery and the role of the federal government were fundamentally at odds. The debates between them helped to clarify these differences and set the stage for the Civil War, which ultimately led to the end of slavery and the preservation of the Union.
