objective: to examine the importance of the lincoln – douglas debates and the dred scott decision....
TRANSCRIPT
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:
• 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)