apr 1, 1858 - Lincoln-Douglas Debate

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Abraham Lincoln ran against Stephen A. Douglass for Illinois. This debate was the first occasion on which Lincoln spoke not influenced by a party, and not trying to straddle the fence post, but as an anti-slavery candidate. This debate was the inspiration for his “House Divided” speech. Though Lincoln lost, he made very valid arguments against Douglas and slavery, and put him on the map for his eventual presidency, when he issued his Emancipation Proclamation.

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