Question

From Voices of Freedom document covering the Lincoln-Douglas debate, why does Lincoln believe the nation cannot exist forever half-slave and half-free, whereas Douglas believes it can?

Answer 1

Douglas opined that the nation can exist forever as half slave and half free based on his belief that this was how the nation was founded in the first place. Given that the condition of the nation has been such for several years without conflict, he questioned why this state cannot continue in the future. In opposition of this view, Lincoln argued that the nation was founded with the vision to restrict slavery and not explains it. founding fathers wanted to restrict slavery not to expand it. Lincoln further stated that slavery was unfavourable to the White as well because it hindered their ability to locate new homes and improve their living conditions.