LINCOLNDOUGLAS DEBATES SWBAT DESCRIBE HOW LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS
LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATES SWBAT: DESCRIBE HOW LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS DIFFER ON RIGHTS BLACK AMERICANS ARE ENTITLED TO
OPPOSING VIEWS • Read the opposing views on slavery. • With your partner, use the chart to: • List the main argument for each viewpoint • Explain how each side in the debate uses similar reasons based on religion, citizenship, and economics to defend their arguments
DEBATE BACKGROUND • The debates were held during the 1858 campaign for an Illinois US Senate seat. • The debates were held at 7 sites, one in each of the 7 Congressional Districts. • Douglas, a Democrat, was the incumbent Senator, having been elected in 1847.
DEBATE BACKGROUND • Douglas helped enact the Compromise of 1850, and was then was a proponent of Popular Sovereignty. • He was responsible for the Kansas. Nebraska Act of 1854, which led to the violence in Kansas, hence the name "Bleeding Kansas. "
DEBATE BACKGROUND • Lincoln was relatively unknown at the beginning of the debates. • In contrast to Douglas' Popular Sovereignty stance, Lincoln stated the US could not survive as half-slave and halffree states. • The Lincoln-Douglas debates drew the attention of the entire nation.
LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATES • As you read the excerpts, highlight the main arguments of each candidate and note specific statements of each on the subject of slavery and equality.
WRAP UP • Review the “Questions” at the end as a class.
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