Challenges to Slavery

The August 27, 1858, debates in Freeport, Illinois, drew more than 15,000 spectators. At the time, the town of Freeport only had a population of 5,000. It was at this debate that Douglas gave the answer that became known as the Freeport Doctrine.

What was the Freeport Doctrine?

• Slavery should be expanded to all territories
• Slavery could be excluded from territories by local legislation
• The Freeport Doctrine supported the Dred Scott decision
• The Freeport Doctrine advocated for the abolition of slavery

Even though thousands of voters heard the debates, they were not able to cast a vote for either Douglas or Lincoln. In Illinois, the state legislature elected the senator. Despite Lincoln’s loss to Douglas, Lincoln recognized that the defeat was “a slip and not a fall.”

Which answer supports Lincoln's "slip and not a fall" statement?

• The state legislature in Illinois did not have the authority to elect the senator

• he would go on to be the president during the Civil War

• The voters were able to cast a vote for both Douglas and Lincoln, but it was not counted

• Lincoln's defeat to Douglas was a significant setback in his political career

Henry David Thoreau wrote an essay, “A Plea for Captain John Brown" part of that essay said...

"I should say that he was an old-fashioned man in his respect for the Constitution, and his faith in the permanence of this Union. Slavery he deemed to be wholly opposed to these, and he was its determined foe."

How does Thoreau feel about John Brown?

• Thoreau admires John Brown for his opposition to slavery and his principles

• Thoreau believes John Brown is a radical extremist who should be condemned for his actions.
• Thoreau is indifferent towards John Brown's views on slavery and the Constitution.
• Thoreau despises John Brown for his support of slavery and his disrespect for the Constitution and the Union.

Why did John Brown raid the arsenal at Harpers Ferry?

• To start a slave rebellion and overthrow slavery

• To establish a new government in the South
• To steal weapons for personal gain
• To negotiate the release of political prisoners

What was the reaction of abolitionists to Brown’s death?

• Abolitionists viewed Brown's death as martyrdom

• Abolitionists condemned Brown's actions and death.
• Abolitionists were indifferent to Brown's death.
• Abolitionists celebrated Brown's death as a victory for their cause.

Even though many people attended the debates, most peopl lived too far away and had to read about it in newspapers. What would be a drawback for someone reading about the debate in a newspaper?

• Ability to ask questions in real-time
• Interactive engagement with the speakers
• Opportunity to network with other attendees
• Lack of full context, and writer could inject their own bias

Where was the debate held?

• The debate was held in a virtual reality simulation
• outside, possibly in a park or large public areas

• The debate took place on television

• The debate was held in Washington D.C.

The case made its way to the Supreme Court, which issued its decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford on March 6, 1857. Chief Justice Roger Taney delivered the ruling, holding that people of African descent—enslaved or free—were not considered U.S. citizens and could not sue in federal courts.

What was the effect of the case on the nation?

• The case resulted in increased civil rights for African Americans

• The case further entrenched the institution of slavery

• The case led to the abolition of slavery in the United States

• The case had no impact on the nation

What effect do you think the decision would have on the fight over slavery?

• The decision would end the fight over slavery.
• The decision would have no impact on the fight over slavery.
• The decision would lead to compromise on the issue of slavery.
• The decision would intensify the fight over slavery and make compromise more difficult.

What questions do you still have about the causes of the Civil War?