US History Presidential Election 1856

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Who won the 1856 presidential election?

Abraham Lincoln

Roger Taney

James Buchanan (correct)

Stephen Douglas

What was James Buchanan's stance on the issue of slavery during his inaugural address?

He insisted on immediate abolition.

He believed popular sovereignty had settled the issue. (correct)

He suggested states should decide on a case-by-case basis.

He called for a national referendum on slavery.

Which Supreme Court case was brought by a freed slave and addressed issues of citizenship and ownership?

Brown v. Board of Education

Marbury v. Madison

Dred Scott v. Sanford (correct)

Plessy v. Ferguson

What did Dred Scott argue regarding his residency in Illinois?

It nullified his slave status. Signup and view all the answers

How many judges on the Supreme Court during the Dred Scott case had been appointed by Democratic presidents?

Seven Signup and view all the answers

Which Chief Justice presided over the Dred Scott case?

Roger Taney Signup and view all the answers

What was the public expectation concerning the Supreme Court's ruling on slavery when the Dred Scott case was heard?

It would resolve the territorial slavery issue. Signup and view all the answers

Which state was Dred Scott born in?

Virginia Signup and view all the answers

What was the Supreme Court's conclusion regarding African Americans' citizenship status?

They could not be American citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What was the split in the Supreme Court's decision on the Dred Scott case?

7 to 2 Signup and view all the answers

How did the Dred Scott decision impact the Missouri Compromise?

It overturned the Missouri Compromise. Signup and view all the answers

Which politician supported the Dred Scott ruling and its application to Kansas?

James Buchanan Signup and view all the answers

What was the position of Stephen Douglas regarding the Dred Scott judgement?

He opposed the judgement due to its impact on popular sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant accusation made by Republicans regarding the Dred Scott judgement?

There was a conspiracy involving President Buchanan. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the conflict in Kansas around 1857?

It was a mixture of political disputes and violent conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Supreme Court's decision imply about the transportation of slaves?

There were no limitations on transporting slaves as property. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

1856 Presidential Election and Buchanan's Victory

The Republican Party emerged successfully in the 1856 presidential election; however, James Buchanan of the Democratic Party won.
Buchanan, age 64 and from Pennsylvania, garnered support primarily from Southern states, achieving some success in the North.
He was preferred over the younger, controversial Stephen Douglas, reflecting party priorities.

Buchanan's Inaugural Address and Territorial Issues

In his March 1857 inaugural address, Buchanan claimed that the territorial issue regarding slavery had been resolved through popular sovereignty.
He hoped this would quell the slavery debates that had persisted for two decades, but was soon disappointed as tensions escalated.

Dred Scott v. Sanford Case

Just two days after Buchanan's inauguration, the Supreme Court ruled on Dred Scott v. Sanford, which challenged the status of slavery in the territories.
Dred Scott, a slave born in Virginia, argued for his freedom based on having lived in a free state (Illinois) before returning to a slave state (Missouri) with his owner’s widow.

Supreme Court Proceedings and Decision

The Supreme Court, largely composed of judges appointed by Democratic presidents, ruled that African Americans could not be American citizens.
The ruling stated Dred Scott had no legal standing to sue, and Congress lacked authority to restrict the rights of slave owners to move their property.
The controversial decision overturned the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and popular sovereignty established in the 1850s.

Political Consequences and Reactions

The ruling sparked outrage in the North and heightened fears of a growing "slave power" conspiracy between President Buchanan and Chief Justice Roger Taney.
Tensions escalated as political leaders struggled to navigate the implications of the decision, particularly on the issue of Kansas, where pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions clashed.

Responses of Key Politicians

Buchanan endorsed the Dred Scott decision, favoring the pro-slavery faction in Kansas and the contentious Lecompton Constitution despite its democratic shortcomings.
Stephen Douglas opposed the ruling, as it negated his principle of popular sovereignty, leading to increased division within and between parties regarding slavery policies.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the dynamics of the 1856 presidential election in the United States, where Democrat James Buchanan emerged victorious against the new Republican Party. Learn about the states that supported Buchanan, his background, and the significant issues that shaped his campaign, including his inaugural address.