jan 1, 1857 - Dred Scott Decision

Description:

A U.S. Supreme Court Case which declared the Missouri Compromise, which stated all territories west of Missouri and north of 36°30′ were free states, unconstitutional.

Cause: Scott's Master moved to Wisconsin, meaning Scott was in a free state, leading him to sue for his freedom.

Effect: Decided Scott was still a slave, no African Americans were citizens, and moving to a free state did not mean that slaves were free. Also, Congress could not control slavery in territories.

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