Focus: Dred Scott Decision

Show students the great historical significance of the Dred Scott court decision with this unique array of authentic, primary source documents. Materials include Dred Scott's petition to sue for his freedom, excerpts from the Supreme Court's majority and minority opinions, excerpts from speeches by Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Stephan Douglas, and a Southern newspaper editorial. Students will also analyze an abolitionist broadside, a political cartoon from the election of 1860, and an interview with Dred Scott. Support Materials: * Illustrated Broadsheet Essay * Timeline * Critical Thinking Questions with Response Key * Recommended Reading List * Map of the Missouri Compromise with a Description of the Travels of Dred Scott 8 Primary Source Documents: * Dred Scott's petition to sue for his freedom and Judge Krum's ruling, April 6, 1846; Bond for costs in case of Dred Scott. July 2, 1847 * Cover sheet summarizing the disposition of the U.S. Supreme Court Case of Dred Scott v. John FA. Sandford and excerpts from the opinions of Chief Justices Roger * Taney and Benjamin R. Curtis, March 1857 * Editorial from the Richmond, Virginia Enquirer, March 17, 1857 * Excerpt from a speech by Frederick Douglass, May 1857 * Broadside announcing an abolitionist meeting, 1857 * "A Visit to Dred Scott," Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, June 27, 1857 * Excerpt from the Lincoln v. Douglas debate, August 27, 1858 * Political cartoon: "The Political Quadrille, Music by Dred Scott," 1860