Did Stephen Douglas Want Slavery?
Stephen A. Douglas, a prominent figure in American politics during the mid-19th century, has been a subject of much debate and controversy. One of the most contentious issues surrounding his legacy is whether or not he wanted slavery to expand. This question is crucial in understanding Douglas’s political beliefs and his role in the events leading up to the Civil War. In this article, we will explore the complexities of Stephen Douglas’s stance on slavery and attempt to answer the question: Did Stephen Douglas want slavery?
Stephen Douglas was a proponent of the concept of “popular sovereignty,” which held that the residents of each territory should decide whether to allow slavery within their borders. This belief was in direct contrast to the position of many Southern slaveholders, who wanted to see slavery expand into new territories. Douglas’s advocacy for popular sovereignty was not an indication of his support for slavery but rather a reflection of his commitment to democratic principles and the rights of the people.
During his political career, Douglas faced intense pressure from both pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. While he did not advocate for the abolition of slavery, he was also not a supporter of its expansion. In fact, Douglas’s opposition to the expansion of slavery was a significant factor in his failed presidential bid in 1860. His opponent, Abraham Lincoln, ran on a platform of opposing the expansion of slavery, which resonated with the Northern electorate.
One of the most notable examples of Douglas’s stance on slavery was his role in the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. This legislation, which he sponsored, effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in territories north of the 36°30′ latitude. The Kansas-Nebraska Act was met with fierce opposition from both pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups, as it allowed for the possibility of slavery in territories where it had previously been banned. Despite the controversy, Douglas’s intention was not to promote slavery but rather to empower the people of the territories to make their own decisions regarding slavery.
Another indication of Douglas’s lack of support for slavery expansion is his advocacy for the Compromise of 1850. This compromise, which he played a significant role in negotiating, was designed to address the issues of slavery and the status of territories acquired from Mexico. While the Compromise of 1850 did not end slavery, it did help to maintain the balance between free and slave states. Douglas’s support for this compromise demonstrates his willingness to find a middle ground on the slavery issue, rather than advocating for its expansion.
In conclusion, while Stephen Douglas was not an abolitionist, he did not want slavery to expand. His advocacy for popular sovereignty and his role in the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Compromise of 1850 indicate his commitment to democratic principles and the rights of the people. While Douglas’s political career was marked by controversy, it is clear that he was not a proponent of the expansion of slavery. The question of whether or not Stephen Douglas wanted slavery can be answered with a resounding “no.
