Dred Scott and the Lincoln- Douglas Debates

Analyze how deepening sectional distrust affected the nation’s politics. Compare the positions of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas on the issue of slavery. Explain the effect of John Brown’s raid on the slavery debate. Objectives

Know-Nothings – members of anti-immigrant movement Republican Party – political party founded in 1854 that opposed slavery Dred Scott – a Missouri slave who sued for his freedom Roger B. Taney – chief justice of Supreme Court that ruled against Scott Terms and People

Abraham Lincoln – Republican politician from Illinois who opposed Kansas-Nebraska Act Stephan A. Douglas – an Illinois politician, rival to Lincoln, who supported Kansas-Nebraska Act Harper’s Ferry – Location of federal arsenal that John Brown tried to seize and start a revolution that would destroy slavery Terms and People (continued)

By the mid-1850s, events caused a deep divide between sections of the nation that seemed unable to be resolved through negotiation and compromise. As the westward expansion continued, these deep sectional differences threatened to tear the nation apart. What developments deepened the divisions between the North and South?

In the presidential election of 1856 there were 5 political parties. Whig PartyFailed to nominate a candidate Republican Party Won one-third of the popular vote and 11 northern states Know-Nothings Put up a candidate but dissolved over the slavery issue Democrats Won with James Buchanan promising to stop the “agitation of the slavery issue” Free-Soil PartyAbsorbed into the Republican Party

Know-Nothings

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the case of Dred Scott, an enslaved man who had lived in a free state and sued for his freedom. Within a year of the election, another event intensified the divisions in the nation over slavery.

Chief Justice Roger B. Taney handed down the controversial decision in March, 1857.

ruled against Scott. said slaves were property and not allowed to sue in court. said the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. pleased the South. angered the North and abolitionists. The Dred Scott decision:

In 1858, in a race for the Illinois senate seat, Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln debated the issue of slavery. The seven debates got national attention.

LincolnDouglas Spoke with direct and deliberate tone focusing on how slavery was a struggle between right and wrong. Had an energetic, commanding voice and spoke of the political issues. Opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, popular sovereignty, and the Scott decision. Supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act and popular sovereignty. Opposed the annexation of Texas. Supported the annexation of Texas. On the issue of slavery:

Douglas won the Senate seat by a slim margin. The debates gave Abraham Lincoln national recognition that was important in the 1860 presidential election. Both candidates believed the issue of slavery had to be resolved peacefully, within the framework of laws.

His goal was to inspire local slaves to join a revolution that would defeat slavery. John Brown organized a small party of men and attacked a federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry in Virginia.

John Brown’s raid failed but intensified national division. Most abolitionists (black and white) refused to join Brown although a few sent money for guns. Brown was arrested, tried, and executed. Lincoln and other Republicans condemned Brown. The South was on alert and many prepared for war.

The possibility of war between the North and South loomed. Near the end of the 1850s, attempts at compromise over slavery had failed.