Summary of Stephen Douglas
American History
November 14, 2013
A Short Overlook of Stephen Douglas
Stephen Douglas is best known for his contribution in the Civil War Era with the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. Aside from being known in the Congress as a powerful debater, properly nicknamed ‘Little Giant’ because of his short stature of 5’ 4”, he became Lincoln’s running opponent in his couple attempts at taking the American presidency. While he did not finish his campaign in office in the White House, he kept his efforts closely in the Congress and political matters until his death at the early age of 48.
Douglas was born in a small town of Brandon, Vermont, in April 23, 1813. He never met his father as the man died three months later in July – history remembering him as a physician on the field of work. As a result he lived most of his early life with his uncle until taking a law major in several schools in New York. His political career started in 1833 as a Jackson Democrat residing in Jacksonville, Illinois.
He rose to the political ranks quite quickly. Within two years he was elected the most important role in Illinois -- a public prosecutor. He thrived in the Democratic scene until he was promoted to become a member of the state legislature in 1836. The traction continued until he became a candidate to the national House of Representatives.
Douglas had risen to recognition as a prominent speaker in the Democratic side of the house, notably being actively involved in debates concerning a bill placed on Andrew Jackson and the annexation of Texas. His spotlight came at the passing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which is undoubtedly one of his major political conquests in winning favors in the Democratic side. With his reputation he was nominated thrice as president in 1852 and 1856 and once again in 1860, but never assumed office after the elections. He debated intensely with Lincoln in before and after these election periods. In regards to slavery he was indifferent, yet as a
November 14, 2013
A Short Overlook of Stephen Douglas
Stephen Douglas is best known for his contribution in the Civil War Era with the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. Aside from being known in the Congress as a powerful debater, properly nicknamed ‘Little Giant’ because of his short stature of 5’ 4”, he became Lincoln’s running opponent in his couple attempts at taking the American presidency. While he did not finish his campaign in office in the White House, he kept his efforts closely in the Congress and political matters until his death at the early age of 48.
Douglas was born in a small town of Brandon, Vermont, in April 23, 1813. He never met his father as the man died three months later in July – history remembering him as a physician on the field of work. As a result he lived most of his early life with his uncle until taking a law major in several schools in New York. His political career started in 1833 as a Jackson Democrat residing in Jacksonville, Illinois.
He rose to the political ranks quite quickly. Within two years he was elected the most important role in Illinois -- a public prosecutor. He thrived in the Democratic scene until he was promoted to become a member of the state legislature in 1836. The traction continued until he became a candidate to the national House of Representatives.
Douglas had risen to recognition as a prominent speaker in the Democratic side of the house, notably being actively involved in debates concerning a bill placed on Andrew Jackson and the annexation of Texas. His spotlight came at the passing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which is undoubtedly one of his major political conquests in winning favors in the Democratic side. With his reputation he was nominated thrice as president in 1852 and 1856 and once again in 1860, but never assumed office after the elections. He debated intensely with Lincoln in before and after these election periods. In regards to slavery he was indifferent, yet as a