Stephen Douglas

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by 5fish

I think you mean Douglas over estimated the ability of people to follow and play by the rules within a Democracy. Douglas thought by using the democratic process that the people could figure out a solution to slavery in the new territories. Douglas and others failed to realize that the people on either side of the slavery issue were not willing to except the democratic out come if it went against their wishes. Democracy only works when all parties agree to except the out come after an election or vote on an issue win or lose.

Bleeding Kansas was because all parties to the democratic process were only willing to except out comes that follow their wishes.

Over estimated is correct. What I would like to know, did anyone in the congressional debates over K-N or in newspaper editorials come out and declare something like this, "you politicians are nuts this bill will lead to violence and civil war"?

[bankerpapaw]

Thanks for the information about what happened to
Stephen Douglas.
Gee Whiz, 5Fish, what set you off? I merely asked a
question!