Lincoln Douglas Debates

YOung Lincoln

Lincoln Received the Republican nomination to run for Senator from Illinois. His acceptance speech became known as the The House Divided Speech" in which he stated that a house divided could not stand. Lincoln who was against any extension of slavery had seven debates with his opponent Stephen Douglas. Douglas believed states should be free to decide if they should be free or slave The debates riveted the nation and brought Lincoln to national prominence. Lincoln received more support in the elections, but Douglas had greater support among the legislators and thus won the election.