Lincoln-Douglas Debates

"Honest Abe"

Stephen Douglas

Ottawa, Illinois

• The site of the first debate of Lincoln and Douglas
• 10,000 to 12,000 were in attendance to watch the two debate.

FREEPORT, Illinois

• This was the second site of the debates
• Douglas' response became known as the Freeport Doctrine

Jonesboro, Illinois

• The third debate
• Here about 1,500 from the democrats attended
• Lincoln argued that Democrats had no central idea.

Charleston, Illinois

• The fourth debate location, 12,000 in attendance.
• Lincoln said he suspected Douglas was planning a separate constitution for Kansas,

Galesburg, Illinois

• Site of the 5th debate, with 15,000 in attendance
• Lincoln really tried to emphasize the Declaration of Independence in this debate.

Quincy, Illinois

• 12,000 in attendance who were mostly "Old Whigs"
• Douglas denied he had a plan to nationalize slavery.

Alton, Illinois

• 5,000 in attendance
• Lincoln pointed out Kansas- Nebraska Ac

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

• After all the debates Douglas won the Senate seat
• There were 7 debates in all.