Mrs. Svetik
U.S. History 7
Name ___________________________________Date__________________________
Abraham Lincoln & Stephen Douglas Debate
The year is 1858 and Abraham Lincoln (Republican) and Stephen Douglas (Democrat) are
running for the open Senate seat from Illinois. Lincoln (not well known throughout the
nation) challenged Douglas (widely known around the nation) to a series of debates that
was reluctantly accepted. The 7 debate challenge was widely followed around the nation
and the central topic of the debates was slavery.
Objective: To understand and communicate the differences between Lincoln and Douglas
on the issue of slavery.
Directions: Use the attached websites to answer both of the propositions listed below.
Create a strong outline of notes to support each candidate in the Illinois election to the
Senate.
Proposition 1:
Abraham Lincoln should be elected to the Senate
Proposition 2:
Stephen Douglas should be returned to the Senate
Resources to Assist You: You may use other sources as well!!!
http://www.lookingforlincoln.com/debates/history.asp
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=2&psid=3284
http://www.lib.niu.edu/1998/ihy980232.html
http://www.nps.gov/liho/historyculture/debates.htm (transcripts of all debates)