Oct 20, 2015
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/presidential-academy/Session+15+Guelzo.mp3
Focus
What does Stephen Douglas mean by
"popular sovereignty"? Why does Lincoln view the Kansas-Nebraska
Act of 1854 as a reversal of American policy towards domestic
slavery? How does "indifference" about the spread of slavery amount
to "covert real zeal" for its spread? How does Lincoln justify
previous national compromises with slavery? What is Lincoln's
definition of self-government and how does it inform his political
rhetoric and policy proposals? What is Lincoln's definition of
democracy? What role does Lincoln think the Declaration of
Independence plays in contemporary political practice? Why does
Lincoln advise against a Republican call for repeal of the fugitive
slave law? What connection does Lincoln make between liberty,
union, and the Constitution?
Readings
- Stephen A. Douglas, "Homecoming Speech at Chicago" (July 9, 1858)
- Fornieri, The Language of Liberty
- Eulogy on Henry Clay (July 6, 1852)
- Speech at Peoria, Illinois (October 16, 1854)
- Fragment: On Slavery [August 1, 1858?]
- Fragment: On Slavery [October 1, 1858?]
- Fragment: Notes for Speeches [October 1, 1858?]
- Letter to Henry L. Pierce and others (April 6, 1859)
- Letter to Jesse W. Fell (December 20, 1859)
- Fragment: The Constitution, the Declaration, and the Union [1860?]
- Letters to Salmon Portland Chase (June 9, 1859& June 20, 1859)
Supplemental/Optional Readings
- Jaffa, Crisis of the House Divided, Epigrams, p. 15, and chaps. 3, 4
- McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, chap. 6
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