Lincoln – Douglas Debates
In 1858, Abraham Lincoln challenged incumbent Stephen Douglas for his seat in the Senate.
(Incumbent – the holder of an office or position)
Points of View
Stephen Douglas:
• Lincoln was wrong for wanting to end slavery.
• If Lincoln tried to end slavery, the U.S. could face a civil war.
• Douglas believed that each territory should be able to decide on its’ own whether or not to allow slavery by using popular sovereignty.
Abraham Lincoln:
• Lincoln believed that slavery was evil and should be kept out of the territories.
• Lincoln believed that African Americans were guaranteed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, as stated in the Declaration of Independence.
Results
• Douglas won the election by a slim margin.
• However, Lincoln became well known throughout the nation.
FACTS:
• Dred Scott was a slave from Missouri. (MO)
• Scott and his owner moved into free territory (Wisconsin) for four years.
• Scott’s owner died after returning to Missouri.
* Scott sued for his freedom. He claimed that he should be a free man since he lived in a free territory for four years.
SUPREME COURT DECISIONS:
Q: Was Scott a U.S. citizen with the right to sue?
A: NO
Q: Did living in a free territory make Scott a free man?
A: NO
Q: Did Congress have the right to outlaw slavery in any territory?
A: NO
RESULTS:
• Dred Scott was not given his freedom.
• The Missouri Compromise was found to be unconstitutional.
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