Objective: To examine the importance of the Lincoln – Douglas debates and the Dred Scott decision.

Dred Scott

Abraham Lincoln

Stephen Douglas

Lincoln – Douglas Debates

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln challenged incumbent Stephen Douglas for his seat in the Senate.(Incumbent – the holder of an office or position)

Abraham Lincoln (left) and Stephen Douglas (right)

• Douglas believed that each territory should be able to decide on its’ own whether or not to allow slavery by using popular sovereignty.

Lincoln – Douglas Debates

Stephen Douglas:

• Lincoln was wrong for wanting to end slavery.

• If Lincoln tried to end slavery, the U.S. could face a civil war.

• Lincoln believed that African Americans were guaranteed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, as stated in the Declaration of Independence.

• Lincoln believed that slavery was evil and should be kept out of the territories.

Lincoln – Douglas Debates

Abraham Lincoln:

Illinois in 1858, showing state senate districts (left) and house districts (right)

• However, Lincoln became well known throughout the nation.

Lincoln – Douglas Debates

Results:

• Douglas won the election by a slim margin.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates: Video (2:13)

Dred Scott Decision - FACTS:• Dred Scott was a slave from Missouri. (MO)

Dred Scott

Dred Scott Decision - FACTS:• Scott and his owner moved to Wisconsin for four years.

Dred Scott

Dred Scott Decision - FACTS:• Scott’s owner died after returning to Missouri.

Dred Scott

Dred Scott Decision - FACTS:* Scott sued for his freedom. He claimed that he should be a free man since he lived in a free territory (WI) for four years.

Dred Scott

A: NO

SUPREME COURT DECISIONS:

Q: Was Scott a U.S. citizen with the right to sue?A: NO

Q: Did living in a free territory make Scott a free man?A: NO

Q: Did Congress have the right to outlaw slavery in any territory?

• The Missouri Compromise was found to be unconstitutional.

RESULTS:• Dred Scott was not given his freedom.

Open to slavery through popular sovereignty (Compromise of 1850)

Open to slavery through popular sovereignty (KS-NE Act)

Missouri Compromise line is declared unconstitutional (Dred Scott Decision)