Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Article abstract: In a contest for a U.S. Senate seat, two politicians articulate a nation’s division over the issue of slavery.

Summary of Event

The presidential campaign of 1856 and subsequent Republican successes attested to the strength of the newly formed Republican Party. In the congressional elections of 1858, the Republicans were prepared to capitalize on “Bleeding Kansas” and the Dred Scott decision of March, 1857, in order to solidify their position in Congress. Many Republicans were willing to cooperate with those who opposed the...

[The entire page is 1480 words long]

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