Stephen A. Douglas
American politician and educator

Born
April 23rd, 1813
211 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1861
163 years ago — 48 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
This individual served as the 7th Secretary of State of Illinois. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, this individual later became a U.S. Senator from Illinois. Played a significant role in the politics of the 1850s, including advocacy for the expansion of slavery into the territories. Engaged in the historic Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858 against Abraham Lincoln, which highlighted issues of slavery and states' rights. Also promoted the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which allowed territories to decide on the legality of slavery.
Served as U.S. Senator from Illinois
Engaged in Lincoln-Douglas debates
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