History of the United States I / Unit 14 USH1 1979 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Douglas's Own Motives
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The idea
Douglas aimed to hold the Democratic Party together after patronage disputes and to satisfy southerners who hated the thirty-six degrees thirty minutes line.
In practice
A bill designed to raise his standing and advance his presidential ambitions.
Where people slip
He also wanted the transcontinental railroad's eastern terminus at Chicago rather than St. Louis or New Orleans, which is a local interest with national consequences.
Your place on the trail
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