The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858

Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Civil War instructional activity, students examine sources regarding the views of Lincoln and Douglas about...

Unfamiliar with the Lincoln-Douglas Debate format? Check out this resource that details the procedures of the debate, the roles and responsibilities of each participant, and the timing of each round.  

For a comprehensive overview of debate styles and formats, look at this resource. It details the Lincoln-Douglas debate format (one-to-one debate with specific, timed rounds of points, cross-examination, and rebuttals). You can also find...

Students research the Lincoln-Douglas debate and prepare to debate themselves.  In this speech and forensics instructional activity students analyze the Lincold-douglas debate, research a controversial topic and prepare an argument for...

Suggested topics for a role play debate include school uniforms and culpability for drunk driving, but any issue of interest to your class will work. What are the hot issues in your community or on the news right now? Class members...

Explore the Lincoln Douglas debates with this short, interactive, online worksheet. Unfortunatley, there are only four questions provided, but it could be a quick assessment, if needed. 

Need topics that are sure to engage your debaters? This list of public policy questions includes such topics as school mascots, regulation of major league baseball, physician-assisted suicide, and violence in video games. A great...

Eleventh graders utilize an interactive map to explore the 1858 Senate campaign in Illinois and how factors such as population, transportation, and party strongholds can affect campaign strategies.

Students examine the transcripts of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates and create a platform for each candidate in the 1858 Senate race. They utilize the candidates' arguments to explore the historical and political impact.

Young scholars utilize an interactive map to explore the 1858 Senate campaign in Illinois. They examine how factors such as population, transportation, and party strongholds can affect campaign strategies. Students write an essay...