Douglas Vs. Lincoln Debates

Debates have been an essential function of intellectual conversation since the evolution of the human race. From small decisions like where to go for lunch with friends to more serious concerns, like abortion rights, debate is a recurring theme in modern society. In history, the art of debate has been influential over every famous historical event.

In American history, a series of prominent debates took place between Stephen Douglas and Lincoln during the Illinois state elections of 1858. Lincoln and Douglas discussed and tackled issues that would remain a key part of American history long after the "poor tongues of Judge Douglas and myself [Lincoln] shall be silent”, as stated by Lincoln during a debate.

Lincoln and Douglas engaged in a series of seven debates throughout the election. In the debates, Douglas maintained a goal of reelection for a third term in Senate, and Lincoln was looking to replace him and take his seat as a Republican. The debates not only acted as a method to discuss key issues, it gave fame and recognition on a national level to Lincoln. The campaigns, because of the events surrounding them, (sectional divisions between political parties and the increasingly problematic slavery issue), aligned to put an emphasis on them. Shortly before the debates, Douglas had opposed the already controversial Lecompton Constitution under Buchanan, which allowed him to gain further support from the Republican party. Interestingly, because of slave interests and Buchanan's conflict with Douglas, Lincoln received support from Southern Democrats. During the debates, Lincoln's main objective was to prevent Douglas from gaining the support of Illinois Republicans, which he attempted to achieve by bringing to light the philosophical differences between them and Douglas, as well as to gain the support of the abolitionist movement and some former Whigs.

The basis of Lincoln's campaign was framed during his House Divided speech. Lincoln argued that slavery could no longer be maintained between two different positions in the United States, it would either become widespread throughout the nation or eradicated immediately. This later became known as the Irrepressible Conflict. Lincoln argued that Douglas' support of popular sovereignty would not only allow new states to adopt the peculiar institution but spread it to the free states. Lincoln argued the slavery was unconstitutional and illegal as it violated the right of equality established in the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln then used a decisive political tactic to "trap" Douglas in their debates. Lincoln gave Douglas two options, to accept the Dred Scott decision, which would alienate the North, or to reject it, causing him to lose support from the South. He established his position in the Freeport Doctrine, in which he supported that popular sovereignty could eliminate slavery in new states. This was seen as "Freeport Heresy" in the South.

Lincoln was seen as the "winner" of the debates but still did not receive enough votes to ensure him a seat in Senate. Ultimately, although Douglas won the election, Lincoln gained the fame and recognition that would later help his campaign for the presidency.