The Road to Disunion The Dred Scott Decision

Focus Question: What role do the Courts play in national politics?

Objectives: After today’s lesson, you will: Outline the arguments in the Dred Scott decision Discuss the impact Scott v. Sandford had on the U.S.

Kansas-Nebraska sparked discord Border war in Kansas Formation of the Republican Party – Different groups coalesced together Northern Whigs Anti-Slavery Democrats Free Soil Party American Party

Dred Scott Decision Sent the nation hurtling toward disunion Centered upon a constitutional matter – Did freedom go with the territory – Sparked outrage

The Particulars Scott belonged to an Army captain – Brought to army posts in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota (Free territory) – The Captain died, leaving Scott to his wife – Scott brought back to Missouri as a slave Scott sued for his freedom Living in free territory made him free

Scott v. Sandford Faced two key questions – Was Scott a citizen? – Did freedom go with the territory? Decision issued by Roger B. Taney

Ruling Decision handed down in 1857 African-Americans could not be citizens – Scott could not file a lawsuit – Scott was a slave Missouri Compromise ruled unconstitutional – Congress had no right to limit property rights – Slavery did not go with the territory

Divided the nation Celebrated in the South – Seen as a pro-slavery decision Assaulted in the North – “Confirmed” power of the slaveocracy – Could slavery spread to the free states?

Lincoln-Douglas Debates “Dred Scott drew Lincoln back to politics” Challenged Douglas for the Senate in 1858 – Held a series of 7 debates – Covered by national newspapers

Ramifications Douglas won re-election Lincoln gained a national audience Douglas lost Southern support for 1860 – Freeport Doctrine Slavery was artificial Slavery needed laws to protect it

Summary: Describe two things learned in class today.