Hist 1054/22/19Abraham Lincoln vs Stephen Douglas; contest between “David and Goliath” each debate lasted for 3 hours. 7 joint debates throughout Illinois, Northern part was Anti – Slavery while southern Illinois was Pro – Slavery. Constantly trying to find the right tone to set in different areas of Illinois. Springfield House Divided Speech – Abraham Lincoln predicted that the nation was about to become all Free or Slave. Slave power conspiracy by 1850s republican party predicted that slavery was about to take over the entire nation. Dred Scott Decision – Slavery is advancing. Free labor becomes poor white trash argument – they should care if they care about their middle-class status. Not because the sympathize with African Americans but because slavery is a threat to their socioeconomic status.Lincoln argued that slaves had natural unamiable rights, but that they were socially, economically, and mentally inferior. African Americans were a little bit equal – they should enjoy the fruits of their labor, but they are intellectually inferior and shouldn’t enjoy political rights. Variegated Whiteness some individuals in some groups were equal while others were – you could be equal in some respects and not in others. Changing meaning of race during the 1850s not based just on outward appearance. Republican Party stood against the expansion of slavery not in the abolishment of slavery. Not dealing with the right or wrong of slavery but on its expansion. White Republican Anti – Slavery initially; later will say that slavery is wrong social political and moral wrong. Main case against slavery is to warn white northerners that it has become a threat to them. Stephen Douglas stands on the side of popular sovernginty ; emphasis on local white government. Morally indifferent to slavery, believed that the right of local self-government was more important then the idea of slavery. Free Port Doctrine – still the actual settlers who are going to decide whether if they recognized slavery. Without the approval of the local government then slavery wouldn’t survive for 24 hours. Stephen Douglas is reelected to Senate not directly elected. More Democrats reelected into office than republicans. Even though he didn’t win the election of Senate Lincoln gained enough traction to push him into office. John Brown’s Raid @ Harper’s Ferry Virginia; (Bleeding Kansas) Pottawattamie Creek. Believed that he was the hand of god against slavery. Plan to seize the Federal Arsenal and arm slaves in a great rebellion. Believed that all 4 million slaves in America would rebel October 1859. United States Government viewed as an act of terrorism; Robert E. Lee contingent of United States Marines take back control of Arsenal and John Brown is put on trial of High Treason and Slave Uprising. John Brown said “He was a martyr in the alter of freedom, more than prepared to give is life to freedom. All of America is guilty to the sin of slavery. Warned that there was going to be a divine reckoning and there would have to be a purging of blood to was away its sins.” Comparison of John Brown as a martyr to Jesus Christ; public sympathy also became known that he had support from wealthy businessmen. Should a republican be elected to presidency then the party would move against slavery. War would become inevitable was with john browns
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