1. Ch 18 sec 3-4 I. Dred Scott decision Biggest Supreme Court ruling before the Civil War. Chief Justice Roger Taney ruled that Scott was –Was not a citizen, therefore couldn't sue the federal courts –No person of African ancestry had rights under the constitution –Scott's stay in free territory didn't matter, the initial ruling was in Missouri, that's all that mattered –Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. Congress could not ban slavery, which would be in direct violation of the 5th amendment, the right to own property. –Southerner's were happy as a kid at Christmas and the Republicans realized the only way to end this was to win the presidency.

2. Ch 18 sec 3-4 II Lincoln/Douglas debates One of the congressional seats was open in the state of Illinois (free state). Stephen Douglas, author of the Kansas Nebraska Act went up against Republican hopeful Abraham Lincoln, a lawyer from Springfield, Illinois. The debate went from town to town through out Illinois each side challenging the other on issues including slavery in the territories Lincoln made Douglas eat his words on the popular sovereignty issue in the territories, by making him admit that the people could also vote not to have slaves Douglas won to the seat but lost the support he needed in the south to win a presidency; meanwhile, the Republicans found their guy to run 1860.

3. Ch 18 sec 3-4 III. John Brown Self-proclaimed messenger from God, John Brown suggested that he himself could bring an end to slavery. Brown and 18 others raided the US arsenal at Harpers Ferry, VA. On Oct 16, 1859. The assault was a disaster US general Robert E. Lee help stop the raid which lasted 36 hours before Brown and 4 survivors surrendered. Brown would be hanged on charges of murder and treason. The North turned John Brown into a hero, a crusader against slavery. The south was appalled that this maniac was receiving hero status. The fate of the Union was looking very bleak