Why do you think the Lincoln-Douglas debates received national attention?
1 Answer
The Lincoln-Douglas debates received national attention because both these learned men from Illinois fought for the Senate position by debate ideas such as annexation of new states and slavery.
Explanation:
The Lincoln-Douglas debates had a few results, which proved to be detrimental for Douglas:
1. Lincoln got national attention
Lincoln received national attention at these debates and his solid stance on some dilemmas excited people around the country. Lincoln also was popular because he started from being a farmer and he decided to surpass the status quo and become a lawyer. His determination was admired by many.
2. Douglas was one of the crafters of the Compromise of 1850.(This isn't a result, but it's important to know)
Stephen Douglas was one of the crafters of the Compromise of 1850, which was a bandage on the wound of slavery--it was only temporary. However, one of the laws in this compromise really got Republicans and abolitionists angry--that is, the Fugitive Slave Act, which gave federal support to slavery.
3. Douglas waved "good bye" to the presidency.
During the Lincoln-Douglas debates, Lincoln brought up the issue of the Figurative Slave Act, since Douglas had helped craft it. Douglas only came up with the Free Port Bill, which didn't appease pro-slavery or anti-slavery voters. He won the senate, but when he ran for office, neither proslavery nor abolitionists voters cast their votes for him, therefore giving Lincoln the victory.
Here is a postage stamp of the Lincoln-Douglas debates:
Hope this helps!
