Lincoln at Peoria: The Turning Point : Getting Right with the Declaration of Independence- The pivotal speech that changed the course of Lincoln's career and America's history - Complete examination of the speech, including the full text delivered in 1854 in Peoria, Illinois To understand President Abraham Lincoln, one must understand the extraordinary antislavery speech Lincoln delivered at Peoria on October 16, 1854. This three-hour address marked the turning point in Lincoln's political pilgrimage, dramatically altering his political career and, as a result, the history of America.Lincoln opposed any further extension of slavery in the American republic, holding to the Declaration of Independence's universal principle that "all men are created equal." In response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, Lincoln launched his antislavery campaign, delivering speeches in Springfield and Peoria.The Peoria address was rigorous, logical, and grounded in historical research. It marked Lincoln's reentry into politics and his preparation for the presidency in 1861. The speech catapulted Lincoln into the national debates over slavery and into national politics for the rest of his life.Though historians and biographers have noted its importance, Lincoln's speech at Peoria has not received the attention it deserves. Lincoln at Peoria offers a complete examination of the speech that changed the course of our nation. |
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Page 134
... majority to rule , such rule may be justified only if the majority rules reasonably : “ All , too , will bear in mind this sacred principle , that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail , that will to be rightful ...
... majority to rule , such rule may be justified only if the majority rules reasonably : “ All , too , will bear in mind this sacred principle , that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail , that will to be rightful ...
Page 184
... majority of four hundred thousand . But , in the late contest we were divided between Fremont and Fillmore . Can we not come together , for the future . ... Let past differences , as nothing be ; and with steady eye on the real issue ...
... majority of four hundred thousand . But , in the late contest we were divided between Fremont and Fillmore . Can we not come together , for the future . ... Let past differences , as nothing be ; and with steady eye on the real issue ...
Page 190
... majority shall govern — to the settlement of the question of domestic slavery in the Territories ! Congress is neither ' to legislate slavery into any Territory or State , nor to exclude it therefrom , but to leave the people thereof ...
... majority shall govern — to the settlement of the question of domestic slavery in the Territories ! Congress is neither ' to legislate slavery into any Territory or State , nor to exclude it therefrom , but to leave the people thereof ...
Contents
ON THE ROAD TO THE SPRINGFIELD SPEECH | 1 |
Preparation to Fight KansasNebraska | 12 |
Senator Douglas Returns to Illinois | 18 |
Copyright | |
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abolitionist Abraham Lincoln American history anti-Nebraska antislavery argued argument Bloomington campaign Chase Chicago Civil coln Compromise of 1850 Congressman Constitution convention court CWAL David Rice Atchison debate Declaration of Independence Democratic Party Douglas's Dred Scott election emancipation extension of slavery Fehrenbacher free-soil friends Gilder Lehrman Collection Herndon historian Historical Society House Ibid issue James Johannsen John Judge Douglas Kansas Kansas-Nebraska Act Know-Nothings legislation legislature Letter from Abraham liberty Lincoln's speech Lyman Trumbull Missouri Compromise moral Nebraska bill negro New-York Historical Society Nicolay and Hay North northern October 16 opponents Palmer Peoria speech Pierce political popular sovereignty President Lincoln presidential principle question recalled repeal reply Republican Party Richard Yates Senator Douglas Seward slave slaveholders slavery South southern speak Speech at Peoria Springfield Stephen Sumner Thomas tion Union University Press Volume vote Whig Party William H Wilmot Proviso wrote Yates York