The Douglas Lincoln Debates, also known as the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, were a series of seven debates held in 1858 between Abraham Lincoln, a lawyer and former congressman, and Stephen A. Douglas, a senator from Illinois. These debates were significant in shaping the political landscape of the United States and are still relevant today. Therefore, teaching students about the Douglas Lincoln Debates is an essential part of American history education.
The debates were held as a part of the campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, and they focused on the issue of slavery in the United States. Lincoln, who represented the Republican Party, was against slavery and believed in its eventual abolition. Douglas, who represented the Democratic Party, believed in the concept of “popular sovereignty” which allowed people in the territories and states to choose whether or not to allow slavery.
Lincoln’s speeches and debates against Douglas were critical in shaping popular opinion about slavery. In particular, Lincoln challenged the notion that slavery was a “necessary evil” and argued that it was inherently wrong. He also emphasized the importance of preserving the Union, stating that a divided nation could not stand against outside threats.
Teaching students about the Douglas Lincoln Debates is important because it enables them to appreciate the significance of these debates in shaping America’s political ideology and understanding of democracy. Students will learn about the key issues that divided America in the 19th century and how the debates led to one of the most significant events in American history, the Civil War.
The following are strategies on how to teach students about the Douglas Lincoln Debates:
1. Provide Historical Context
Give students a brief background and context of the debates, including the political climate of the period, the characters involved, and the key issues debated.
2. Use Primary Sources
Have students read primary sources such as speeches, newspaper articles, and letters written by both Lincoln and Douglas to obtain their first-hand accounts of the debates.
3. Assign Debate Roles
Assign students to take on the roles of Lincoln or Douglas, depending on their points of view or political affiliations. This exercise will enable them to understand how each participant presented their arguments.
4. Conduct Class Debates
Divide students into groups, and let them engage in debates on the issues that Lincoln and Douglas spoke about. This way, students get to use their critical thinking skills to analyze and synthesize arguments presented from different viewpoints.
5. Analyze Visual Materials
Show students visual representations of the debates, such as videos, images, or illustrations, to help them understand what happened during the debates and the historical significance of the events.
In conclusion, Douglas Lincoln Debates remain a critical moment in American history as it shaped the future of the country. Including the debates in the American history curriculum allows students to learn the value of civil discourse, critical thinking, and the democratic process. These debates were an essential part of the road leading to the Civil War, and teaching students about them is a vital tool in understanding America’s journey to becoming a more inclusive and democratic nation.
