Stephen Douglas and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Abi Mogge
Oregon High School, Oregon

Stephen Douglas stands out in history not so much for his work in railroads and western expansion, but mainly for his 1858 debates with Abraham Lincoln. The Senate debates of 1858 were what gave Lincoln and Douglas much of their notoriety and popularity at the time. These debates were a political move prompted by Lincoln. The two men discussed the

In 1858 Stephen Douglas (front left on the platform) and Abraham Lincoln vied in a series of seven debates for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Douglas won the election, but Lincoln gained widespread recognition that ultimately helped him win the presidential election two years later.

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issue of slavery, which was one of the most controversial issues of the time. Unlike Lincoln, Douglas was a well-known figure at the time. This was due mainly to his involvement in other political endeavors. His popularity and publicity gave him a great advantage over his seemingly radical opponent.

The debates between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln have been described as "the most famous war of words in history." The two men, the Democratic "Little Giant" and the Republican "Tall Giant," met for a series of debates throughout Illinois. Lincoln carried the antislavery view throughout these debates, while Douglas was more proslavery. Douglas believed in the idea of popular sovereignty, which allowed new states to choose for themselves on the issue of slavery. However, his views did not begin with the debates. To understand Douglas's ideas and reasons, one must understand his past. He was an influential politician well before any talk of Lincoln or the debates.

Stephen Douglas began his career in law in Illinois, as a successful prosecutor, legislator, state secretary, and judge of the state supreme court. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served from 1843 to 1847, where he was nicknamed the "Little Giant" for his short stature and great abilities in oration and legislation. Douglas was a terrific debater. He played a part in many great decisions involving expansion issues, as well as funding for railroads, which he hoped would lead to more land expansion opportunities. One of the main events in his past, however, that led to the debates was his role in the Kansas-Nebraska Act; it incorporated his ideas of popular sovereignty. The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed inhabitants of territories (in this case, Kansas and Nebraska) to decide for themselves whether slavery should be permitted within their borders. Douglas believed that the country could exist as half-slave states and half-free states. This was his opinion throughout the debates. Lincoln, on the other hand, believed that "a house divided against itself cannot stand."

The debates began in Ottawa and were held throughout Illinois in each of the seven congressional districts. Douglas had an advantage over his relatively unknown opponent, Lincoln. Having been in the limelight for almost a decade, much attention was focused on Douglas. He was very successful in the debates, and considered to be the winner. The debates were held outside, and were a virtual "free-for-all," unlike the political meetings of today. Anyone could attend and the only limits were on the actual debate's lengths. Douglas, being the better-known candidate, was awarded more opening and closing speeches.

Although the opponents discussed serious issues, they focused mainly on slavery. One of Douglas's main reasons for his stance on popular sovereignty was that he believed it would prevent conflict between the North and the South. He knew he had a strong chance of winning the presidential election in a few years, but only with the help of the southern Democrats. He also knew that Illinois was a crucial state, and he won its approval during these senate debates.

The debates were held in seven cities: Ottawa, Freeport, Jonesboro, Charleston, Galesburg, Quincy, and Alton. The majority of voters in northern Illinois supported Lincoln. Southern Illinois supported Douglas, probably because of his support of slavery. The debates were held outside on a platform so everyone could easily see the debaters.

Douglas's reason for debating with Lincoln was simple. First of all, he was considering running for the presidency and knew that any attention drawn to himself would be helpful. He also wanted to convince the southern Democrats to vote for him, although this plan backfired. But his primary reason was pride. Lincoln had challenged him, and although he had other engagements, to back down would seem cowardly and he would be committing political suicide. Douglas was allowed more speaking time, the choice of venues, and the number of debates. The debates were meant to be "big," but no one ever thought they would be monumental. They were transcribed for newspapers and read nationwide. And in the end, Douglas won the senatorial election.

The phrase, "the prairies are on fire," is how one person described Illinois during the 1858 debates. Douglas's base in Illinois made him familiar with the people and their ways, which helped him win the debates and win the election. Douglas was well-known by the 1850s for his other achievements, but the Lincoln-Douglas Debates sparked a growing movement in antislavery feelings. Although Douglas pledged his loyalty to Lincoln after Lincoln was elected president, their views on politics differed greatly. Douglas will forever be remembered for his famous debates with Lincoln.—[From Henry Steele Commager, The American Destiny; Harold Holzer, "A Legacy of Excellence: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates," American Heritage; Regina Z. Kelly, Lincoln and Douglas.]

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