What was the reason for the argument between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln?

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By Kristy Tolley

The United States of America is a country that has experienced numerous political debates and arguments over the years. One of the most significant political arguments was the one that took place between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. This argument is not only essential in American history but also in global history. This article explores the reasons behind the argument between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

Stephen Douglas: A Short Biography

Stephen Douglas was a politician who served as a senator for the state of Illinois from 1847 to 1861. He was born in Vermont in 1813 and later moved to Illinois, where he became a lawyer. In 1854, Douglas proposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed people living in those territories to decide whether to allow slavery or not. He believed in popular sovereignty, which meant that the people living in a particular area should have the power to decide their fate.

Abraham Lincoln: A Short Biography

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky in 1809. He later moved to Illinois, where he became a lawyer and a politician. He served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1834 to 1842 and later served as a member of the US House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849. In 1860, he was elected as the 16th President of the United States, a position he held until his elimination in 1865.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 was the brainchild of Stephen Douglas. The Act allowed people living in those territories to decide whether to allow slavery or not. This Act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in those territories. The Act was met with a lot of controversy, and it led to the rise of the Republican Party, which was against the act.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln challenged Stephen Douglas in a series of debates for the Illinois Senate seat. The debates focused on the issue of slavery, and Lincoln argued that slavery was a moral wrong that should be abolished. Douglas, on the other hand, believed in popular sovereignty and argued that the people living in a particular area should have the power to decide whether to allow slavery or not.

The Freeport Doctrine

In the second debate of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Douglas introduced the concept of the Freeport Doctrine. This doctrine stated that even though the Supreme Court had ruled that slavery was legal, the people still had the power to exclude slavery from their territories by not passing laws to protect it. This statement was significant because it showed that Douglas was willing to ignore the decision of the Supreme Court if it did not align with his beliefs.

The Dred Scott Decision

In 1857, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling in the Dred Scott case. The court ruled that African Americans, whether free or slave, were not citizens of the United States. This ruling also declared that the Missouri Compromise of 1820 was unconstitutional. The ruling was met with a lot of controversy, and it further fuelled the debate between Lincoln and Douglas.

The Election of 1860

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election, and this was a significant blow to Stephen Douglas. Lincoln’s victory showed that the American people were against the spread of slavery. Douglas had lost his bid for the presidency, and this marked the end of his political career.

Lincoln’s Inauguration

In March 1861, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th President of the United States. His inaugural address focused on the issue of slavery and stated that he would not interfere with slavery where it already existed but would not allow its expansion into new territories.

Causes of the Civil War

The argument between Lincoln and Douglas and the issue of slavery eventually led to the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865. The war was fought between the northern states, which were against slavery, and the southern states, which were in favour of it. The war led to the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the United States.

Legacy of Lincoln-Douglas Debates

The debates between Lincoln and Douglas were significant in American history. They helped to shape the political landscape of the country and led to the eventual abolition of slavery. The debates also paved the way for future debates and discussions on important issues facing the country.

Conclusion

The argument between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln was one of the most significant political arguments in American history. It focused on the issue of slavery and eventually led to the American Civil War. The debates between Lincoln and Douglas shaped the political landscape of the country and paved the way for future debates and discussions. The legacy of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates will always be remembered in American history.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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