Lincoln and Secession

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

The Lincoln-Douglas debates were a series of formal political debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in a campaign for one of Illinois' two United States Senate seats.

Although Lincoln lost the election, these debates launched him into national prominence which eventually led to his election as President of the United States.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Senator Douglas Democratic Party Illinois What legislation did he propose that

was very controversial?- Kansas-Nebraska Act

Faced a difficult Senator reelection campaign in Illinois in 1858 where views on slavery were sharply divided

Believed whites were superior to blacks Tolerated slavery b/c it is the

absolute right of white citizens to choose the kind of society and government they wanted (popular sovereignty)

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Abraham Lincoln Born in a log cabin in Kentucky in 1809, studied law Ran against Douglas for SENATOR in the state of Illinois in 1858 Member of new Republican Party CLASHED WITH DOUGLAS’ VIEW ON POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY

Did not believe that a majority should have the power to deny a minority their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Lincoln shared many of Douglas’s views on African Americans “I am not nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in any

way the social and political equality of the white and black races.”

Federal government does not have the authority to forbid slavery in the south

Similar stance to “Containment” during the Cold War

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Issues of the Debates Expansion of slavery

Douglas- Popular sovereignty should determine Lincoln- stop expansion

Popular sovereignty Douglas- Essentially the law of the land Lincoln- hurts the liberties of minority

Dred Scott decision- made slavery in territories legal for vote Douglas- supported decision Lincoln- questioned decision

Freeport Doctrine- GAME CHANGER Douglas- stated that slavery could be refused in western territories in people

do not want it, angers Southerners Lincoln- made Douglas chose between popular sovereignty and slavery

African Americans Both agreed that African Americans are NOT EQUAL

Douglas wins election BUT Lincoln receives national attention

Election of 1860

Split in the Democratic Party Southern Democrats nominate John C. Breckinridge-

argued that the government should protect slavery in the territories

Northern Democrats nominated Stephen Douglas who supported popular sovereignty

Moderate Southerners along with politicians from the border states (Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri) formed the Constitutional Union Party nominating John Bell of Tennessee

Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln captured the presidency without winning a single electoral vote in the South 39 percent of the vote 180 electoral votes- FEAR of John C. Calhoun became a

reality!

Lower South Secedes December 20, 1860- South Carolina left the Union officially Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia (LOWER SOUTH)

seceded shortly after Delegates from all 7 states created the Confederate States of America They elected Jefferson Davis as their president

Fort Sumter

During Lincoln’s Inaugural address, he pledged to Southerners that “the government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors”. He also promised to defend and protect the Union

Federal troops continued to occupy Fort Sumter- ISLAND off the coast of South Carolina Considered Federal Land Federal Soldiers under the command of Major Robert Anderson were

running out of supplies- if no more supplies were given, it would have to be abandoned to the Confederates

April 6, 1861- Lincoln told the governor of South Carolina that he was sending food, but no soldiers or arms to Fort Sumter. April 10th, before supplies could arrive, Confederate President

Jefferson Davis ordered General P.G.T. Beauregard to demand that Fort Sumter surrender- if Anderson refused, Beauregard was to take it by force

Anderson refused- April 12, 1861 Beauregard opened fire on the fort After 34 hour bombardment, Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter to

Confederate troops

Upper South Secedes Lincoln called for volunteers to fight the seceding states Upper South- Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas

secede in response to Lincoln

Keep in mind: Lincoln’s primary goal during the war was to “preserve the Union” at all costs. Should Lincoln be given more power during war? Did Lincoln abuse his power? If yes, what should be done? What is meant by the phrase “Commander in chief”? Were Lincoln’s actions Constitutional? Can Congress approve Lincoln’s decisions, even if they are unconstitutional? Does Lincoln’s actions weaken Congress’ power?

Case 1 Suspending the writ of habeas corpus

What is the writ of habeas corpus? Requires a person under arrest to be brought before a

judge or a court Ensures that a person can be released from unlawful

detention-lacking sufficient cause of evidence Roots tied to the Magna Carta!!!

What are the border states and why are they called this? Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, Missouri Southern but had people supporting both sides!

Article I Section 9, clause 2!!!!!!!

Case 2: Calling Troops:

(Deep South-Not border states) Southern States violated federal law!

Union property?? #3Commander in Chief???Article 1 section 8 clause 12!!!!

Case 3: Union Blockade

Purpose of a blockade??Imagine if Great Britain was not a huge

empire and could only rely on the South…what would have happened????

Article I Section 8 Clause 11 FIRST TIME!!! NEW BAR SET FOR THE

“COMMANDER IN CHIEF”

Case 4: Taking money from US Treasury

$2,000,000Article 1 Section 9 Clause 7

Case 5: Suspending Newspapers

1st Amendment!!!!!!!

False Information?

Case 6: Emancipation Proclamation:

RebellionBorder States---yes or no??Time of war you are allowed to do what??PEOPLE OR PROPERTY???5th AMENDMENT!!!

The Great Health Care Debate!Will this debate be remembered like the Lincoln Douglas debates??