Research Paper

Lincoln's 1858 debates have been an important historic moment in

American history, showing the fight between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen

Douglas over slavery. While Douglas had been successful in his Senate

campaign, this paper is going to focus on Lincoln's impressive performance

and political impact on American opinion. Where we are going is the future

of the United States and if it was about to elect its president that could change

the course of the future. Though Lincoln and Douglas made compelling

arguments, there is a further examination of their debating strategies, political

campaign, and who was the clear winner.

The decisive factor that led to Abraham Lincoln's triumph in the

debates was his rhetorical skills. Eloquent, logical, and emotional resonance

with his audience were characteristic of his speeches. Lincoln was able to

connect with his audience in a profound way, effectively explaining the moral

and ethical implications of slavery during his political campaign. His

powerful speeches were not only reaching the intellect or political leaders but

also stirring the emotions of the American people.

 The Debates and their political campaign strategies set them apart.

Abraham Lincoln sparked the nation's morale on the topic of slavery with his

powerful and morally compelling arguments. Douglas was a seasoned

debater, and he could articulate his words that carried true weight on what he

believed was right for the country. As Lincoln revolved around the American

people, Douglas was heavily relying on the advocation of states’ rights and

the Constitution.

Lincoln's ideas' lasting impact on the debate around slavery may be the

most convincing proof of his success. His ideas, which were firmly based on

the belief that slavery was morally unjustifiable at its core and the need for a

common moral mindset, produced a lasting impression on the American

people. Lincoln created the foundation for the ultimate eradication of slavery

by focusing on human equality and the inalienable rights of all people.

Although he did not win the election right away after the debates, his views

gathered support over time and eventually played a crucial role in influencing

public opinion, leading to his election as President of the United States in

1860.
 Douglas was victorious by defeating Lincoln in the election for the

Senate, but his performance in the debates had a big influence on his political

future. The debates elevated Lincoln's reputation on a national scale and

made him a well-known figure within the Republican Party. Influential

political leaders took notice of him after his impressive performance against

Douglas, which launched him into the national spotlight. The debates paved

the stage for Lincoln's victory by establishing him as an articulate and moral

politician.

Lincoln's loss was only the beginning which was strengthened by the

strategic alignment of his policies with popular opinion in this country. He

skillfully expressed the idea that a country divided by the problem of slavery

could not continue, and this idea connected with a population that was

growing more concerned. Lincoln positioned himself as a visionary leader,

capable of guiding the United States toward a more unified and ethical future,

by placing the discussions within the larger perspective of a country in crisis.

Lincoln mentions and questions at Freeport exposing the moral complexities

that Douglas's position holds. [1]

 Even though the debates were centered on the subject of slavery, they

had broad implications for the American people. They established a turning

point in American political discourse and sparked new discussions that

extended beyond the actual debates. People were more aware of politics as a

result of intense discussions between families, friends, and communities. As

their political campaign traveled across multiple towns and cities, they raised

political awareness among demographic groups that had not previously

expressed an interest. The topic of slavery had a dramatic effect on the

ensuing presidential election.

In response to people who question the authenticity and reliability of

historical interpretations. They may argue the views of the Lincoln-Douglas

debates have shifted over time with personal bias, political agendas, and

many other crude ways to sway the American people's perspective. They

could also stress how crucial it is to look at different points of view and

original sources in order to gain a vast knowledge of the topic at hand.

The Lincoln-Douglas debates went beyond their immediate target

audience, acting as a starting point for larger discussions that changed the

course of the country. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas both had a

lasting impression on the American people that shaped political thinking and
practice. Although the debates' initial victory may have been debatable,

Abraham Lincoln emerges as the final winner of this pivotal period in

American history due to the ideals he advocated and his following rise to the

president.

The sixteenth President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, is

evidence of his extraordinary leadership and enduring impact. Lincoln

demonstrated exceptional perseverance and strategic knowledge while

leading the country through one of its darkest periods, the Civil War. His

moral strength and determination to a more just America were evident in his

dedication to upholding the Union and his Emancipation Proclamation.

Lincoln was an exceptional president because of his skill at navigating

political obstacles, his capacity to move crowds with his stirring speeches,

and his sincere concern for the welfare of the ordinary man. He helped

redefine the country's principles and put it on a course toward unification.

[1]

“The Freeport Doctrine.” National Parks Service,

www.nps.gov/liho/learn/historyculture/freeport-doctrine.htm#:~:text=The%20

question%20Lincoln%20posed%20at,put%20Douglas%20in%20a%20quanda

ry. Accessed 5 Aug. 2023.

History in Charts. “Who Won the Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858?” History

in Charts, 4 Feb. 2023,

historyincharts.com/who-won-lincoln-douglas-debates-1858/.