Lincoln - Douglas Debates

By thomas 2

  • Opponents

    A series of formal political debates between the challenger, Abraham Lincoln, and the incumbent, Stephen A. Douglas, in a campaign for one of Illinois 2 United States Senate seats. The groundwork for the campaign was laid in Linvoln's famous House Divided speech in Springfield on June 16, 1858. Douglas opened his campaign on July 9.

  • The Outcome

    After losing the election for Senator in Illinois, Lincoln edited the text of all the debates (7) and had them published in a book. The widespread coverage of the original debates and popularity of the book led to Lincoln's nomination for the President of the United States.