Dred Scott Decision and Its Impacts

In the 1850s, the U.S. faced high tensions over slavery, leading to the Dred Scott v. Sandford case. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Roger Taney, ruled that African Americans were not citizens and could not sue in court, invalidating the Missouri Compromise. This decision heightened tensions between the North and South, contributing to the Civil War. The case is considered a grave injustice in U.S. history.

What was a major cause of tension in the United States during the 1850s?

• The War of 1812

• The Gold Rush

• The Industrial Revolution

• The expansion of slavery in the American West

What was the goal of the northern abolitionists during the conflicts in Kansas?

• To expand the railroad system

• To find gold

• To establish Kansas as a free state

• To support the southern settlers

What did the Missouri Compromise of 1820 achieve?

• It allowed Maine to enter as a free state and Missouri as a slave state

• It banned slavery in all U.S. territories

• It ended the Civil War

• It allowed California to enter as a free state

Why did Dred Scott sue for his freedom?

• He was born in a free state

• He was captured by northern abolitionists

• He was promised freedom by his master

• He had lived in free states with his master

What was Chief Justice Taney's stance on African American citizenship?

• He believed African Americans were not citizens

• He believed African Americans had the right to vote

• He believed African Americans should be free

• He believed African Americans could own property

What did the Supreme Court rule regarding Congress's authority over slavery?

• Congress did not have the authority to ban slavery in the states

• Congress could ban slavery in all territories

• Congress could only ban slavery in the northern states

• Congress had no say in slavery matters

What was Justice Benjamin Curtis's argument in his dissent?

• African Americans should not be allowed to sue in court

• The Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional

• Slavery should be expanded to all states

• Free blacks were citizens with the right to vote in some states

How did the Dred Scott decision affect sectional tensions in the United States?

• It had no significant impact

• It resolved the issue of slavery

• It heightened tensions between the North and South

• It led to immediate peace

What was one of the long-term impacts of the Dred Scott decision?

• It contributed to the onset of the Civil War

• It ended slavery in the United States

• It led to the Missouri Compromise

• It resolved the issue of state rights

How is the Dred Scott decision viewed in the context of Supreme Court history?

• As a minor case with little impact

• As a decision that ended the Civil War

• As a landmark victory for civil rights

• As one of the worst decisions