Question

Discuss the importance of the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 and analyze their importance in bringing Lincoln to national prominence.

Answer 1

The Lincoln-Douglas debates propelled Lincoln's political career into the national spotlight, while simultaneously stifling Douglas' career, and foreshadowing the 1860 Election. By 1858, Stephen A. Douglas was the most prominent politician in the West, if not the entire country. The debate was mainly about slavery. The Lincoln and Douglas debates were important because back then senators were elected by state legislature Lincoln and Douglas were trying their best for their parties to win in the Illinois general assembly .