LAD/Blog #19: The Dred Scott Decision

LAD/Blog #19: The Dred Scott Decision:


In 1846, Dred Scott, a slave, and his wife filed a suit against Irene Emerson (maiden name Sanford) for their freedom. Born into slavery in Virginia, Dred Scott was eventually purchased by John Emerson in St. Louis. He went with him to Illinois and Wisconsin, where he got married. Slavery had been prohibited in these territories due to the Missouri Compromise of 1820. They returned to St. Louis with the Emersons. Irene Emerson hired out the Scott family when John Emerson died, and it was then that Dred Scott sued for his freedom. Scott had lived in free territories, yet he was still considered the property of the Emersons. Nonetheless, Chief Justice Roger Taney ruled on the side of Sanford. He denounced the legal ability of Dred Scott to sue in the first place, saying even though some states may grant African Americans state citizenship, this does not relate to national citizenship. Therefore, he said African Americans should not be able to sue in federal courts and declared a lack of jurisdiction in the district courts. This decision ruled the Missouri Compromise, which stated all territories north of the 36 30 line were free, unconstitutional. Roger Taney ignored the precedent set as a result of the Missouri Compromise of "once free, always free" and made a questionable decision that many considered unconstitutional--a questionable decision that eventually led to the civil war. 
The Dred Scott decision is similar to Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld segregation saying "separate but equal." This was also later deemed unconstitutional.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LAD #36: FDR’s Declaration of War

Image
LAD #36: FDR’s Declaration of War: On December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led the US to declare war. And, FDR stated that December 7, 1941, the day which Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, w as " a date which will live in infamy." FDR goes on to explain how the US had originally not intervened in the warfare in these countries. However, the Japanese attack has resulted in destruction in the United States, and America needs to defend itself. He explains how Japan has gotten out of control and have become hostile. Therefore, the United States has to fight them. Jeanette Rankin was the only member of the Houses that voted against the declaration of war on Japan. She later received nicknames including "Japanette Rankin" as she was looked down upon for her vote.  This is similar to the declaration of war during World War I because the US was forced to abandon their policy of neutrality and had to defend the
Read more

LAD #37: FDR’s Executive Order 9066

Image
LAD #37: FDR’s Executive Order 9066: Taking measures to ensure national security, President Roosevelt issued the Executive Order No. 9066. This order essentially allowed the creation of military areas which were then used to relocate Japanese Americans. The President ordered the Secretary of War and Military Commanders to create this military areas where people would be excluded and allowed them to impose their own restrictions. This permitted the Secretary of War and Military Commanders to take adequate measures in enforcing this order. Furthermore, the President asked other federal agencies to assist these military measures by providing support. This is seen in "Home is a Horse Stall" when Sox goes to the internment camp, which was a military area created by the government. I understand the need for national security of the time, however I believe that excluding Japanese Americans was a step too far, especially since these people were United States citizens.  This
Read more

LAD #38: Truman Doctrine

Image
LAD #38: Truman Doctrine: Following World War II, America became concerned with the spread of communism. In attempt to "contain" communism, hence the policy containment, Truman addressed Congress in his Truman Doctrine. He urged that the United States needed to aid Greece. Greece had been destroyed and suffered from economic and political instability in the post war era. Recognizing this, Truman encouraged political and financial installments so Greece could restore their nation. Additionally, Greece was at risk due to communist activities which threatened the nation. This clearly worried Truman as they were vulnerable to succumbing to communism. Truman also recognizes that Turkey is unstable as well and requires attention and work in order to preserve the order in the Middle East. Truman asks Congress for a specific amount of money to loan to Greece and Turkey and to be able to send American civilian and military personnel. All of these efforts instigate attempts to pre
Read more