The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858 Essay -- History Historical Politi

in the lead engaging in the debates with Senator Stephen A. Douglas, capital of Nebraska was relatively unknow in the political world and was just beginning his career in politics. Abraham Lincolns reputation was just starting to grow, and his life was about to make a drastic change. The Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 were a turn of events point in Abraham Lincolns political career.Lincoln had served four terms in the Illinois legislature, and now want an office with heavy(p)er prestige. Lincoln had served the Whig Party well, and election to Congress became his goal.In 1843 and 1844, Lincoln alienated the nominating address for Congress to other candidates. Although disappointed, he kept striving for his goal. Finally, in 1846, his hard work had paid off. Abraham Lincoln win the Whig nomination for the U. S. House of Representatives.Lincoln started his Congressional career on declination 6, 1847. He failed to make the reputation he had hoped for in Congress. Some of his bri ny tasks included, a bill that would free slaves in the District of Columbia and reinforcement the Wilmot Proviso, banning slavery in territories acquired from Mexico. He also supported the Whig insurance policy which had the government paying for internal improvements, and in 1848, he worked on the nomination and election of Zachary Taylor, the Whig candidate for President. Already in his political career, Lincoln had a strong stand on slavery. His term ended on bunt 4, 1849. Lincolns stay in Congress was brief and frustrating. He opposed the Mexican War so vigorously that he lost much of his popularity with his constituency. At the expiration of his term in 1849 he returned collection plate and sank into the political background.At that point, Lincoln decided to return to Springfield, Illinois and revive his faithfulness career. He practiced law more seriously than ever and represented big businesses and corporations in many lawsuits, and soon prospered. After successfully support the Illinois Central Railroad in an important tax case, he became known as the leading lawyer of Illinois. His reputation all over the introduce had grown steadily. However, Lincoln knew that law was not his dream.Abraham Lincoln decided to reenter politics. At that point in time, there had been a sudden change in the national theme towards slavery. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 had prohibited slavery in territories north of Missouris so... ...tly he who molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions (Phillips 38). The above quotation was part of Lincolns remarks in the first Lincoln-Douglas debate at Ottawa on August 21, 1858. Also, Lincoln was one of the best extemporaneous debaters of all time (Phillips 145). Lincoln listened to what the lot wanted, which gained him popularity and respect. During the debates, he was always confident, mostly because he stood up for what he believed was right. thus far if Lincolns ideas were of the minority, he would not back down. These verbal skills benefited him end-to-end his political career. Besides national interest, Lincoln received worldwide appeal. This tall, fairish politician was now known across the globe.The Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 marked a turning point in Abraham Lincolns political career, and lead to his popularity among the unify States. Finally, without the debates, a great leader, Lincoln, would never have been produced. Abraham Lincoln was a great writer and a great orator as well as a great leader (Ayres IX). Abraham Lincoln started his political career as a nobody, but in the end was greatly admired.