Textbook
David C. King et al., United States History: Presidential Edition (Menlo Park, California: Addison – Wesley Publishing Company, 1986), 271.
Douglas entered the 1858 Senate race in Illinois. Concerned with national unity, he wanted to find a compromise between proslavers and free-soilers. He also wanted a solid reelection victory, for he hoped to win the presidential election in 1860. Douglas's opponent was Republican Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was an Illinois lawyer with little political experience. He had served one term in the House of Representatives. In 1858 Lincoln did not seem to be a rising politician.
Links
Depicted ContentLincoln-Douglas Debates