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Lesson 70 of 84 · The Civil War

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The Dred Scott Decision

🌍Mission Brief #70

The Dred Scott Decision was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1857 that addressed the issue of slavery and citizenship.

🎯 Your mission

Walk into the past. Find out who, what, and why.

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The same event looks different depending on who's telling the story.

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Mind = Blown

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Then & Now

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The Dred Scott Decision was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1857 that addressed the issue of slavery and citizenship. Dred Scott was an enslaved man who sued for his freedom after living in free territories. The Supreme Court ruled that Scott was not a citizen and therefore had no right to sue in federal court. This decision not only denied Dred Scott his freedom but also stated that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories. The ruling intensified the national debate over slavery and deepened the divide between the North and South.

Key Facts

1

The Dred Scott Decision was made by the Supreme Court in 1857.

2

It ruled that enslaved individuals were not considered citizens.

3

The decision stated that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories.

Timeline

1963

Martin Luther King Jr. gives the 'I Have a Dream' speech

1964

The Civil Rights Act is signed

1969

Astronauts land on the Moon

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 2

What was the main issue in the Dred Scott Decision?

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Why this still matters

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Stretch Challenge

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Ask a grown-up what the world looked like when they were your age.

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For the dinner table

What's something from history you wish you could see in person?

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The Dred Scott Decision

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The Dred Scott Decision — The Civil War | 5th Grade Social Studies | LittleActivity