Final answer:
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates were a series of seven debates in 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas that addressed the issue of slavery and each candidate's vision for America. The debates were characterized by deep division and the contrasting views on slavery were key discussion points. Media coverage of such events played a significant role in public perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates took place in 1858 and were a series of seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas as they contended for a seat in the Senate. The debates were heated and lasted for hours, addressing complex issues like the expansion of slavery and the concept of popular sovereignty. These debates were not only pivotal in the careers of both men but also in shaping the political landscape leading up to the Civil War.
On one hand, Douglas advocated for popular sovereignty, which allowed territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. On the other hand, Lincoln challenged the morality of slavery, although he assured that his goal was not immediate abolition but preventing the spread of slavery to new American territories. The contrasting views on slavery were central points in these debates, reflecting the divided sentiment of the nation at that time.
Moreover, the debates highlighted the influence of media on public perception, a phenomenon still relevant today as different news sources can portray debates and political events with varying degrees of bias or emphasis. Incidents such as the confrontation between senators Benton and Foote demonstrate how intense and personal these debates could become.