New Podcast Posting: Lincoln-Douglas Debates Revisited 150 Years Later

Stephen Douglas was running for re-election to his U.S. Senate seat. A series of seven debates with Abraham Lincoln were held in Illinois towns from August 21-October 15, 1858. Practically the only issue discussed was slavery. Douglas defeated Lincoln in this election, but the experience contributed to Lincoln’s success when he defeated Douglas for the presidency in 1860.

This year marks 150 since those debates, which are said by many to have defined America.

We speak with Dr. Tom Schwartz, State Historian of Illinois about the debates - what made them so special at the time, and why they still matter these many years later.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com