What were the Lincoln-Douglas debates really about?
The Lincoln-Douglas debates — the historic series of seven debates which pitted Abraham Lincoln against Stephen Douglas as they vied for an Illinois Senate seat — began on August 21, 1858. In honor of that anniversary, this episode explores the clash of constitutional visions that characterized the debates between Lincoln and Douglas.
What are the similarities and differences between Lincoln and Douglas?
Aside from the physical contrast—Lincoln was tall, lanky and rumpled; Douglas short, stocky and dressed in expensive suits—the two men represented starkly opposing viewpoints on the issues at hand.
How did Douglas try to paint Lincoln as an extremist?
Douglas argued in favor of „Popular Sovereignty“ in the territories, and tried to paint Lincoln as an extremist who was in favor of the social equality of blacks and whites an anathema to most whites of that day. Lincoln s main theme was that slavery was a moral evil that should not be allowed to spread.
How did Douglas feel about Lincoln’s approach to the Civil War?
Douglas was disturbed by Lincoln’s effort to resolve a controversial moral question by political means, warning that it could lead to civil war.
How did Lincoln and Douglas differ in their views on race?
Lincoln believed that one race must be superior to the others and he was “in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.” First and foremost, Douglas believed in the inferiority of African Americans and often articulated this conviction quite bluntly.
Who are America’s leading scholars of Lincoln?
Joining us to discuss Lincoln’s constitutional vision and the Lincoln-Douglas debates, are two of America’s leading scholars of Abraham Lincoln. Sidney Blumenthal is an author, journalist, and a former senior advisor to President Bill Clinton.
What did Lincoln and Douglas mean by popular sovereignty?
Douglas had an idea that the people who settled the land would decide, he called it popular sovereignty. Lincoln, who had been in a kind of chrysalis like a butterfly, he had been in the wilderness after his one term in the congress, said he was aroused as never before.