Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Period 5: 1844-1877
The Slavery Debate- Opposing Viewpoints:
• Read the opposing views on slavery.
• With your partner, use the chart below 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
ISSUES
#1: Is slavery a
violation of
fundamental moral
and religious
principals?
#2: Is slavery
incompatible with
the most
fundamental
American principles?
#3: Would the
attempted abolition
of slavery threaten
the foundations of
the Union?
#4: Should slavery be
allowed to expand
into the territories if
the people of those
territories want it?
Argument FOR
Argument AGAINST
Similarity in Argument