Ottawa La Salle Illinois United States
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The first of seven Lincoln–Douglas debates is held in Ottawa, Illinois on August 21, 1858, between Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate for the United States Senate from Illinois, and incumbent Senator Stephen Douglas, the Democratic Party candidate.
At this time, U.S. senators are elected by state legislatures; thus Lincoln and Douglas are trying for their respective parties to win control of the Illinois General Assembly.
The debates preview the issues that Lincoln will face in the aftermath of his victory in the 1860 presidential election.
Although Illinois is a free state, the main issue discussed in all seven debates is slavery in the United States.
At this time, U.S. senators are elected by state legislatures; thus Lincoln and Douglas are trying for their respective parties to win control of the Illinois General Assembly.
The debates preview the issues that Lincoln will face in the aftermath of his victory in the 1860 presidential election.
Although Illinois is a free state, the main issue discussed in all seven debates is slavery in the United States.