Dred Scott Case Essay

1) Why did the Dred Scott decision galvanize opposition to slavery among northerners?

In the Dred Scott case, serious constitutional questions were raised when the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that Scott and other slaves were not considered citizens, because the constitution gave the right of citizenship only to members of the white race. This “bombshell” decision galvanize opposition to slavery among northerners who were outraged that Mr. Scott could not sue in court for his freedom. Though Mr. Scott claimed that because he had lived as a resident of a free state he was considered a free man, the U. S. Supreme Court declared that the federal government did not have the power to prohibit slavery in federal territories. Therefore the Supreme Court’s “threatening and immoral” ruling in this case annulled the Missouri Compromise, a Congressional act passed in 1820 that allowed Missouri to be admitted as a slave state, while prohibiting slavery in the Louisiana Purchase north of latitude 36°30′N. Furthermore, for northerners who opposed slavery and wanted it outlawed, this decision implied that slavery could openly and freely move into the north. Outraged filled the

northerners who feared an “assault on their land and their ideas” was being committed.
2) What were Helper's, Fitzhugh's, Lincoln's and Douglas's views on black people? (Where they racists?)
Hinton Helper despised free and slaved blacks, categorizing them as an “undesirable population.” Just as Helper held racist believes, Fitzhugh and Douglas also claimed that individuals were not born equal. Fitzhugh compared slaves to horses needing to be dominated, and Douglas interprets the Declaration of Independence as stating that its “signers…referred to white men...when they declared the equality of all men.” Though Lincoln agrees with Douglas who proclaims all “negros” to be an “inferior race,” his view on black people was split. Lincoln believed that the white race was superior to the black race, but was certain blacks were “entitled to all the natural rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence.” Never the less, Lincoln acknowledges “there is a physical difference between the white and black race which…will forever forbid…social and political equality.”
3) What persuasive strategies did the different participants in the slavery debate use to make their points?

The persuasive strategies used by the multiple contributors in the slavery debate brutally depict the issues of that time period for citizens of all classes and economic levels. For example, Douglas used the fear of interracial marriages between blacks and whites to appeal to southern interests. His formal language and use of analogies help Douglas make his point. Likewise, Helper’s strategy was to appeal economically to rich southern non-slave holders. His use of imagery and figurative language depict how ineffective slavery is in the south, and how it will obstruction the economic development of all whites.

4) What were the fundamental conflicts between the various individuals in the

sources?
Many fundamental conflicts also arose between the various individuals in the sources, which included Lincoln and Douglas’ value and power clash. Lincoln was Douglas’ radical opponent, who contrary to Douglas, believed “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” Douglas’ power as an influential politician made him prideful, especially when Lincoln challenged his values. Since both men held different values, their political views differed greatly. For Fitzhugh, his conflict was that “the world…was too little governed, and wanted a classic world and order, regardless of color. Helper’s main worry was the effect of slavery on poor whites, because he felt “degraded” as a majority. None the less, the interpersonal conflict between all the men in this time period demonstrate how individuals persuaded audiences with strategies, rhetorical appeals, and word choice.