These were a series of seven formal political discussions held in 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, candidates for the United States Senate seat in Illinois. These public forums centered primarily on the issue of slavery and its expansion into new territories. They provided a platform for both men to articulate their contrasting viewpoints on this crucial issue dividing the nation.
Their significance lies in their clear illustration of the profound ideological differences concerning slavery during a pivotal period in pre-Civil War America. They heightened national attention on the slavery question, boosting Lincolns profile and shaping the national dialogue leading up to the conflict. The debates offered a crucial opportunity for citizens to engage with the core issues at stake in the future of the Union.