Learning Goals: ● Explain how the 1860 election revealed the divisions in the country. ●Describe the reasons for, and responses to, the secession of seven Southern states.

Explanation: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858 were a series of seven debates between Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, and Stephen A. Douglas, a Democrat, for an Illinois seat in the United States Senate. At the time, U.S. Senators were elected by state legislatures; thus Lincoln and Douglas were campaigning for their respective parties to win control of the legislature. The debates were a preview of the issues that Lincoln would face in the 1860 Presidential campaign and are remembered partially for the eloquence of both sides. The main issue discussed in all seven debates was slavery.

Journal Question: Describe or create a poster promoting attendance at the Lincoln-Douglas debates. The poster will be placed in an Illinois city or town, announcing that the two candidates will be debating there. Come up with an engaging heading for the poster.

Events and situations that led to the Civil War: 1. Economic Differences in the North & South 2. State’s Rights (nullification)- a doctrine that federal powers should be curtailed and rights returned to the individual states 2. State’s Rights (nullification)- a doctrine that federal powers should be curtailed and rights returned to the individual states. 3. Compromise of Another stopgap measure along the lines of the Missouri Compromise. This one abolished the slave trade in the District of Columbia but bound Congress to create what became the Fugitive Slave Law. The Compromise of 1850 also admitted California as a free state and separately organized the territories of Utah and New Mexico without restrictions on slavery. 4. Kansas-Nebraska Act-1854 Act of Congress that repealed the Missouri Compromise and introduced as the guiding principle behind the incorporation of the Kansas and Nebraska Territories the idea of “popular sovereignty”--the idea that citizens of newly formed territories could decide when they applied for statehood whether slavery would be allowed in their new state.

5. Dred Scott v. Sanford- Slave who forever changed the definition of property. He went with his master to Illinois and Minnesota and claimed that this made him a free man. In 1857 Chief Justice Roger Taney said that African-Americans could never become U.S. citizens and that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. Further, the Court said, Congress could not constitutionally exclude slavery from territories or any free state. 6. John Brown’s Raid- Violent abolitionist who wanted to free the slaves at all costs. He took matters in his own hands by leading a band of determined patriots on a mission to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. He wanted to distribute the weapons there to slaves and anyone else who wanted to rise up against slavery. On Oct. 16, 1859, they succeeded in taking over an engine house. But the U.S. Marines, led by Col. Robert E. Lee, subdued the short-lived rebellion. 7. Lincoln’s Election and Republican Party- The presidential election of 1860 was one of the most pivotal in U.S. history. The nation was in the grips of a national division over the issue of slavery, and the results of this election accelerated that separation. The South believed Lincoln would abolish slavery and seceded from the Union before he took office.

Journal Question: Think about the breakdown that led to the Civil War. Think of one lesson that today’s politicians in Washington D.C. could learn from the mistakes made before the Civil War.

1. The Democratic Party’s platform in the Election of 1860 called for popular sovereignty to decide slavery in all of the territories. Platforms are the main issues presented by a political party during an election. Stephen A. Douglas was the Northern Democratic candidate. Douglas is nominated to run for president.

2. The Southern states seceded and dissolved their ties to the United States after the election of 1860 because they believed Lincoln would abolish slavery. The leaders of South Carolina voted on secession.

Think-Pair- Share How did the failure to compromise lead to Civil War? Why is it important to understand the opinions of the person who you disagree with? Explain a situation where you or someone else was not willing to compromise. Think about your answer and then turn to a neighbor and share your thoughts. We will share as a group.

3. The Republicans and Lincoln planned to let slavery stay where it already was but keep it from expanding.

4. Southern leaders justified secession by arguing that since each state had voluntarily joined the Union, it also had the right to secede. This student is volunteering an answer. Does this student have the right to take back her answer?

Think-Pair- Share power- The ability to exert control over others. When should someone be the leader over someone else? Describe a situation when you followed someone and why you did that. Should the federal government be able to tell the states what to do? Explain your answer. Think about your answer and then turn to a neighbor and share your thoughts. We will share as a group.

5. The only president of the Confederate States of America was Jefferson Davis. Davis is worried about the South.

6. The Crittenden Compromise was a proposal to save the nation from splitting up by compromising on slavery. John J. Crittenden Evacuation of Carolina

Think-Pair- Share Many historians believe that the Civil War was inevitable. Is there anything worth fighting a war for? Explain your answer. What would you be willing to fight for? Think about your answer and then turn to a neighbor and share your thoughts. We will share as a group.

7. Lincoln spoke forcefully against secession in his inauguration speech but ended with an appeal to friendship.

CLOSURE ACTIVITY Think about the breakdown of the government that led to the Civil War. Think of one lesson that today’s politicians in Washington D.C. could learn from the mistakes made before the Civil War.