Skip to main content
Back to Show
American Experience

What Was the Dred Scott Decision?

In 1857 the Supreme Court ruled against Dred Scott, a slave who sought freedom via the courts. With the ruling the Court radically altered not just the battle over slavery, but the status of every black person in America.

Support Provided By
Season
The Presidents
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:37
Part of the award-winning "The Presidents" collection.
The Presidents: Reagan (Part 2)
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:50
Ronald Reagan left the White House one of the most popular presidents of the 20th century.
The Presidents: Reagan (Part 1)
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:50:17
A biography from American Experience's collection of presidential portraits.
The Presidents: FDR (Part 2)
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:16:40
Part of the award-winning The Presidents collection.
The Presidents: FDR (Part 1)
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:44:52
Part of the award-winning The Presidents collection.
The Presidents: LBJ (Part 2)
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:50:24
Follow LBJ from rural Texas to his ascendancy to the presidency after the assassination of JFK.
The Presidents: LBJ (Part 1)
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:50:37
Part of the award-winning The Presidents collection.
The Presidents: Nixon
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:47:05
Part of the award-winning The Presidents collection.
Active loading indicator