ID: Dred Scott v. Sandford
When: 1857
Who:
- Dred Scott, an enslaved man
- John Sanford, Scott’s owner
- The Supreme Court of the United States (Chief Justice Roger Taney)
What:
A landmark Supreme Court case in which Dred Scott, an enslaved man who had lived in free states and territories, sued for his freedom. The court ruled against Scott, declaring that:
- Blacks, whether free or enslaved, were not considered citizens and therefore had no right to sue in federal court.
- The Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, meaning Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories.
Impact: Why Significant?
The Dred Scott decision had a profound impact on the United States, significantly escalating tensions between North and South.
- Reinforced the idea of racial inequality by denying citizenship to African Americans.
- Fueled the Abolitionist movement and intensified calls for the end of slavery.
- Furthered the divide between North and South, as Northerners saw the decision as a victory for slavery, while Southerners viewed it as a validation of their rights.
- Contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War as it essentially declared that the federal government could not restrict the expansion of slavery.