Did You Know? The Dred Scott Decision

In 1846, Dred Scott and his wife Harriet sued for their freedom in St. Louis, arguing that their time in free states had legally freed them. The case reached the US Supreme Court, where Chief Justice Roger Taney ruled against them, stating African Americans could not sue in federal courts. This decision overturned the Missouri Compromise and was widely criticized. Dred and Harriet remained enslaved until 1857, when they were freed. Dred died in 1858, while Harriet lived to see the abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment.

What prompted Dred and Harriet Scott to file a lawsuit for their freedom?

• They were promised freedom by John Emerson.

• They were inspired by other successful lawsuits.

• They had lived in free states and territories.

• They were encouraged by abolitionists.

What was the key argument made by Dred and Harriet Scott in their lawsuit?

• Their time in free states had legally freed them.

• They had been promised freedom by their enslaver.

• They had purchased their freedom.

• They were born free.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding African Americans and federal courts?

• African Americans could not sue in federal courts.

• African Americans could sue only in state courts.

• African Americans could sue in federal courts.

• Only free African Americans could sue in federal courts.

Which legislative acts were overturned by the Dred Scott decision?

• The Fugitive Slave Act and the Compromise of 1850

• The Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act

• The Emancipation Proclamation and the 14th Amendment

• The Northwest Ordinance and the Homestead Act

What significant event did Harriet Scott live to witness?

• The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation

• The end of the Civil War

• The election of Abraham Lincoln

• The passing of the 13th Amendment