It was 1858. The race for the Illinois seat in the United States Senate was between Republican Abraham Lincoln and the incumbent Democrat Stephen Douglas. Lincoln and Douglas held a series of seven important debates throughout the state, but the fifth one is considered by many scholars to be the turning point in Lincoln’s political career. 

The story of their fifth great debate, held in Galesburg, Illinois, on October 7, is told in two different formats. 

Here’s a video Quick Look at the PDF eBook version.

This story is so important we offer it in two versions, the PDF use book, AND a printable unit study!
This PRINTABLE study contains:

• 40 page printable edition, including detailed notes to educators and answer key
• Map of all seven debate locations
• Full-color storyboards that tell the story of the fifth debate
• Vocabulary Builder (you’ll need a dictionary for this activity)
• Actual 1858 newspaper clippings and analysis of bias activities
• Plenty of nonfiction reading
• Questions to ponder (writing or discussion prompts)
• A look at debate anniversary celebrations through the years, and the amazing (and unexpected) people who participated! More vintage photos and newspaper accounts included.
• Links to important videos
• Additional activities and evaluations

Great for teachers because:

• No prep – great for busy teachers, subs, and homeschool
• Makes reading circles or guided reading lessons easy, fun, and interesting
• Incorporates several educational disciplines in one topic
• Easily adapted to students of different ages and abilities (especially great for homeschool and unschool environments)
• Sneak in some history and have fun doing it
• All the research and organization is done for you

Great for students because:

• Lessons and activities long enough to cover the topic, but short enough to hold interest
• Little or no teacher supervision needed
• Helps kids find fun in the stories of history
• Lots of “Fun Facts” included

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