The Dred Scott Decision of 1857

The Dred Scott Decision: A Landmark Supreme Court Case

The Dred Scott Decision of 1857 remains one of the most infamous Supreme Court cases in American history. It revolved around an enslaved African American man named Dred Scott who sued for his freedom after having lived in free territories. The Court's decision issued a devastating blow against the hopes of African Americans aspiring to citizenship and equality.

The Background of Dred Scott

Dred Scott was born around 1799 in Virginia. He was enslaved by the Emerson family and spent years in Missouri, a slave state. In 1833, Scott was taken to Illinois and Wisconsin, both free territories, where he argued that his residence in these areas should grant him freedom. His legal battle began when he filed a lawsuit in 1846, asserting that he had become free due to his time spent in free states.

The Supreme Court's Ruling

On March 6, 1857, in a controversial ruling, the Supreme Court declared that Scott was still a slave and consequently, had no right to sue in federal court. The decision, delivered by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, affirmed that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered citizens of the United States. This ruling intensified national tensions over the issue of slavery, making it clear that the rights of African Americans were not recognized within the legal framework of the nation.

The Wider Impact of the Decision

The fallout from the Dred Scott Decision was significant. It not only rendered Scott himself a legal non-entity but also had ramifications for the entire African American community and the broader fight against slavery.

Fueling the Abolitionist Movement

The decision galvanized the abolitionist movement, drawing attention to the moral and legal hardships faced by enslaved individuals. Many activists used the case to highlight the cruelty of slavery and to argue for the rights of African Americans. The division between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions deepened, leading the nation closer to civil war.

Political Ramifications

In the political arena, the ruling precipitated a crisis that affected the Democratic and Republican parties. The Republican Party, which opposed the extension of slavery, gained momentum through its condemnation of the court's decision. This case also contributed to the rise of Abraham Lincoln, who became a prominent figure in the struggle against slavery.

Fun Fact

Dred Scott's Later Life

After the Supreme Court's ruling, Dred Scott and his family were eventually purchased by former abolitionists, who secured their freedom in 1857. Scott became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and rights for African Americans.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on the Dred Scott Decision

For those interested in a deeper exploration, consider reading "Dred Scott: A History of Race and a Memory of Slavery" by Thomas Van Buren and "The Dred Scott Case: Its Significance in American Law and Politics" by Don E. Fehrenbacher. These works provide insight into the implications of this pivotal case.