Lincoln in Elections & Politics

Lincoln had a rich and rocky political career before he finally ascended to the position of the presidency and his political views on slavery evolved throughout his life and time before and during his presidency.

 

Explore Lincoln's Political Journey

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  Pre-presidential political career

  Overview of Lincoln's political career 1830-1860

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  Lincoln's First Senate Bid

  After several years out of the political limelight, Lincoln returns to challenge Stephen Douglas for the Illinois Senate seat

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  The Cooper Union Address

  The Cooper Union Address was one of the most important speeches Lincoln gave in securing his path to the presidency

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  Lincoln's Arguments at Cooper Union

  A Summary of Arguments Lincoln made at Cooper Union

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  The Freeport Doctrine

  The Freeport Doctrine, given during the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, helped pave Lincoln's way to the presidency

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  The 1860 Election

  An election for the ages, that resulted in Lincoln becoming president and the start of the US Civil War

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  The Wide Awakes

  Learn about the Wide Awakes a political club dedicated to the election of Abraham Lincoln