The Lincoln-Douglas debates were a series of seven debates spread across Illinois over the topic of slavery and territories. Douglas supported the Free Port Doctrine but the debates made Lincoln very popular.
http://www.illinoiscivilwar.org/debates.html Debates
http://www.mrlincolnandfreedom.org/inside.asp?ID=21&subjectID=2 Summary
Impacts of the Lincoln-Douglas debates:
1. Raised Lincolns popularity
2. Made slavery the main topic
3. Douglas won the Senate seat
1. Raised Lincolns popularity
2. Made slavery the main topic
3. Douglas won the Senate seat