The Freeport Doctrine
A Depiction of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Background
A series of debates in which the 16th president of the United States, took on Illinois senator Stephen A. Douglas, over many important conflicts, mainly slavery. Of the seven total debates, the Freeport Doctrine was introduced in the second debate by Stephen A. Douglas. Coming from two different political parties, the two men were ultimately debating for a Senate seat for the respective parties. Although the results of the debates did not end conversation and as Lincoln said, "the issues would be discussed long after 'these poor tongues of Judge Douglas and myself shall be silent.'"
A Political Cartoon of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Description
The main speaking point in the Lincoln-Douglas debates was of slavery, and how the union should approach to deal with it. Lincoln was a prominent Republican, and stood firm against slavery in all, and thus when he was elected president passed the emancipation proclamation. Although Stephen A. Douglas tried appealing to all parties, pro-slavery and against. This stance Douglas had taken was the Freeport Doctrine, introduced in the second debate, the idea that, "territories could still determine the existence of slavery through unfriendly legislation and the use of police power, in spite of the Supreme court decision." Douglas was for popular sovereignty in alignment with the Kansas-Nebraska act. The stance taken by the Freeport Doctrine, seemed to isolate Douglas from the southern Democrats, which lead to a loss of support. This loss of support soon proved to be a key factor in the presidential election of 1860, which Lincoln ultimately won. Ultimately the Freeport Doctrine, and the Lincoln-Douglas debates would be significant events in American history.