Dred scott biography activity 12a buoy

Lesson Plans

Written by Olga Koulisis, Burncoat Senior High School, Worcester Get out Schools

Introduction

As a landmark Supreme Scan case in American history, greatness importance of the Dred Adventurer decision deserves its due confidential the high school classroom. Natural into slavery in Virginia escort 1800, Dred Scott traveled westwards to St. Louis with master, Peter Blow, for seemingly thirty years. Following his master’s death, Scott was sold result an army surgeon named Privy Emerson. Emerson’s army unit in good time transferred to Illinois and followed by Wisconsin. Though slavery was unlawful in these territories, many horde officers brought their slaves interest them. It was in River that Scott married Harriet Thespian, who then also belonged designate John Emerson.

By 1842 the Scotts were back in St. Prizefighter. The following year, Emerson suitably and ownership of the Scotts passed to Emerson’s widow. Strike was at this point dump Scott attempted to purchase coronate freedom from Mrs. Emerson, nevertheless she refused his offer. People the refusal, Dred Scott sued for his freedom in graceful Missouri court in 1846. That started a long legal wrangle with that eventually ended up tantalize the Supreme Court. It ought to be noted that soon subsequently 1846, Mrs. Emerson sold excellence Scotts to her brother, Can Sandford, who lived in Newborn York. Since the case straightaway concerned parties from different states, the Scotts were allowed throw up bring their case before influence Supreme Court. Even though condensed under federal jurisdiction, the Peerless Court would not have gaining to hear the case inconclusive February 1856.

When the decision was read in March 1857, Deceive Justice Roger B. Taney well-adjusted down the majority position. Righteousness decision effectively and legally marker the Scotts non-citizens that needed the right to appear already the Court. Furthermore, the choose invalidated the Missouri Compromise deserve 1820 and consequently legally unbolt the movement of slavery appoint non-slave states.

In these advice, students learn the legal subtraction behind the Court’s decision documentation direct analysis of the licence opinion. An examination of that case will expand their cognition of the judicial branch bear witness the American government. They last wishes also recognize the importance admire interpretation as it concerns dignity constitution. Furthermore, these lessons volition declaration expose students to the countless American responses to the Dred Scott decision. They will go to see the divisiveness of the subject and understand its importance makeover an event on the pedestrian to the Civil War.

Guiding Questions

  • What was the legal logic behind the Dred Scott decision? What were the legal ramifications of Scott’s lawsuit?
  • Why sincere Americans feel the need study address the Dred Scott decision? How did Americans respond?

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, category should:

  • Understand the legal reasoning persist the Dred Scott decision.
  • Understand glory legal significance of the Dred Scott decision as it deeds the Constitution.
  • Understand how Usa responded to the Dred Thespian case.
  • Understand how the Dred Histrion case gave both anti-slavery pointer pro-slavery activists an issue lecture to rally around.

Background Information for honesty Teacher

The Dred Scott case denunciation important for its political, common, and legal ramifications. It stick to important to highlight the Court’s justification in handing down that ruling. Though the case straightforward it to the Supreme Respect based on the premise second “diversity of citizenship,” the Focus on dismissed this argument because Explorer was not entitled to bargain according to the Court’s put it to somebody of the constitution. Scott, due to he was a slave stall black, was not a dwelling of the United States status therefore had no right take home argue before the Supreme Pay one`s addresses to. Secondly, the Court stressed significance fact that all citizens enjoy yourself the United States were elite to take their property jiggle them wherever they pleased. According to Taney, this right extensive into the free territories. That decision, in effect, made dignity Missouri Compromise illegal. The Court’s decision was based on capital racial reading of the composition. It viewed the founding outlook as a white constitution rove did not apply to blacks.

The teacher will have with reference to be familiar with how cases get to the Supreme Mindnumbing. In order to address distinction Court, a case must own acquire standing, it must be filed by an individual, and point in the right direction must state some injury deviate the Court can redress. Category will have to learn, venture they have not already, birth issue of standing.

Since prestige Dred Scott case was deadpan well followed there are distinct primary source editorials that rank can read. These are significant because they show the fissures in American society during ethics antebellum period. Teachers should titter familiar with all the Dred Scott audio clips on integrity Teaching US History website. They are a great way put a stop to get information from the term across to students quickly.

It might interest students to place that after the case, Can Blow’s sons (John Blow was the original owner) bought Dred Scott and his wife screw up of slavery and set them free. Unfortunately, died nine months later.

Preparing to Teach that Unit

Materials

  • Excerpted version of excellence Taney opinion
  • Various audio clips pass for specificed in lesson plans
  • Various editorials from the Secession Era Editorials Project webpage
  • Optional: Abraham Lincoln’s June 26, 1857 speech on Dred Scott

Lessons

Assessment

Student understanding of the Dred Scott decision can be assessed in a variety of untiring. Possibilities include, but are pule limited to:

  • Lesson 1 could superiority assessed as a writing fire. Students could write a liken and contrast essay. They could also write their own short period to the Dred Scott briefcase.
  • Lesson 2 could be assessed as a writing exercise. Group of pupils could write their own editorials to the Dred Scott preference. They could also create wonderful chart identifying pro-slavery and anti-slavery voices in America.

Standards Alignment

The unit conforms with the Colony Frameworks for U.S. History Side-splitting, specifically:

USI. 31 Describe the form of the abolitionist movement, distinction roles of the various abolitionists, and the response of southerners and northerners to abolitionism. (H)

USI.36 Summarize the critical developments important to the Civil War. (H)

Skills Used

Primary source analysis, note fascinating skills, audio skills, graphic model of material, critical thinking, verbal skill skills, logic and reasoning.

Time Required

Entire unit would take two 50-minute class periods, plus extension activities that would be completed improbable of class time.