Dred Scott Decision 1857 (dec 31, 1856 – jan 1, 1857)

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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not U.S. citizens and could not sue in federal courts. It also ruled that Congress had no authority to ban slavery in the territories, effectively legalizing slavery everywhere in the U.S.
The Dred Scott Decision enraged the North and emboldened Southern pro-slavery advocates. The ruling invalidated previous compromises like the Missouri Compromise, further polarizing the nation. It was a major contributing factor to the 1860 election of Lincoln and the subsequent Southern secession.

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