1. Objective: To examine the importance of the Lincoln – Douglas debates and the Dred Scott decision.

2. Lincoln – Douglas Debates In 1858, Abraham Lincoln challenged incumbent Stephen Douglas for his seat in the Senate. (Incumbent – the holder of an office or position) Statues of Abraham Lincoln (left) and Stephen A. Douglas (right) in Washington Park, Ottawa, Illinois USA, near the site of the first of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates.

3. Douglas believed that each territory should be able to decide on its own whether or not to allow slavery by using popular sovereignty. Lincoln – Douglas Debates Stephen Douglas: Lincoln was wrong for wanting to end slavery. If Lincoln tried to end slavery, the U.S. could face a civil war.

4. Lincoln believed that African Americans were guaranteed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln believed that slavery was evil and should be kept out of the territories. Lincoln – Douglas Debates Abraham Lincoln:

5. Illinois in 1858, showing state senate districts (left) and house districts (right) Making Inferences: What do the maps tell us about the differences between the Republican and Democratic parties? Republican Party – mostly Northerners and anti-slavery Democratic Party – mostly Southerners and pro -slavery The northern part of the state favors the Republicans while the southern part favors the Democrats. Therefore, the Republicans supported northern interests, such as eliminating slavery in the territories and supporting federalism. The Democrats favored southern interests, such as maintaining slavery nation-wide and expanding state’s rights.

6. However, Lincoln became well known throughout the nation. Lincoln – Douglas Debates Results: Douglas won the election by a slim margin. Lincoln-Douglas Debates: VideoLincoln-Douglas Debates: Video (2:13)

8. Dred Scott Decision - FACTS: Dred Scott was a slave from Missouri. (MO) Dred Scott Scott and his owner moved to free territory (Wisconsin) for four years. Scott’s owner died after returning to Missouri. * Scott sued for his freedom. He claimed that he should be a free man since he lived in a free territory (WI) for four years.

9. A: NO SUPREME COURT DECISIONS: Q: Was Scott a U.S. citizen with the right to sue? A: NO Q: Did living in a free territory make Scott a free man? A: NO Q: Did Congress have the right to outlaw slavery in any territory?

10. The Missouri Compromise was found to be unconstitutional. RESULTS: Dred Scott was not given his freedom. Open to slavery through popular sovereignty (Compromise of 1850) Open to slavery through popular sovereignty (KS-NE Act) Missouri Compromise line is declared unconstitutional (Dred Scott Decision)