Dred Scott v. Sandford
The Supreme Court rules that Black people are not citizens and have "no rights which the white man was bound to respect."
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Connections to other moments, systems, and investigations — the links rarely drawn together.
- part of·ThreadChattel Slavery
The apex of the property doctrine: the Supreme Court declared Black people non-citizens and the enslaved protected property.
- led to·EventThe Civil War begins at Fort Sumter
By denying Black citizenship and nationalizing slavery, the 1857 ruling inflamed sectional conflict and pushed the nation toward war.
- connects to (incoming)·EventMcCleskey v. Kemp: the courts close the door
Alexander calls McCleskey "the Dred Scott of our era" — the Court again ruling Black Americans owed less.
Where to go next
The apex of the property doctrine: the Supreme Court declared Black people non-citizens and the enslaved protected property.
By denying Black citizenship and nationalizing slavery, the 1857 ruling inflamed sectional conflict and pushed the nation toward war.
Alexander calls McCleskey "the Dred Scott of our era" — the Court again ruling Black Americans owed less.