American History Challenge On the night of October 16, 1859, this abolitionist led a group of men to Harper’s Ferry to attack the federal arsenal there. His intent was to lead a slave revolt. Who was this abolitionist and was he successful John Brown. He was not successful. He was accused of treason and hanged. But he did become a martyr for the abolition of slavery. OBJECTIVES Why did Dred Scot sue for his freedom and how did the Supreme Court rule? What factors led to Lincoln’s victory as President in 1860? Why did some southern states decide to leave the union? 2 Dred Scott Dred Scott was a slave who lived in free territory and then returned to slave territory. He sued for his freedom claiming he had become free when he lived in free territory. In 1857 the Supreme Court declared: ◦ African Americans were not U.S. citizens, therefore Dred Scot could not sue. ◦ Congress did not have the right to ban slavery in any federal territory. 3 The Rise of Lincoln How did Lincoln become President in 1860? He joined the newly formed Republican party in 1856. He supported the party’s effort to halt the spread of slavery. He became a leader in the party after the Lincoln-Douglas Debates on the Dred Scott decision. 1858 The election of 1860 turned into a 4 man race. See map on page 471 Lincoln won 180/183 electoral college votes in the North and the other candidates split the southern vote. 4 Secession What did Lincoln get for winning the election of 1860? Secession- Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas seceded from the Union They formed the Confederate States of America. Their president was Jefferson Davis 5 Assignment Read 15.3 and 15.4 pages 462-473. Complete reading guide.