Lincoln Douglas Debates

Lincoln debated his opponent, Stephen Douglas, seven times in what became known as the Lincoln Douglas Debates. While they agreed on many issues, they disagreed over the morality of slavery. Lincoln did not believe that slavery should spread any further but Douglas argued for popular sovereignty. Lincoln explained that while he was not asking for equality, he believed African Americans should get the rights granted in the Declaration of Independence life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Lincoln lost the state election to Douglas.