What was the significance of the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision?

The significance of the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision lies in its declaration that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. In this landmark ruling, the Supreme Court determined that Congress did not have the authority to prohibit slavery in the territories, thus invalidating the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had attempted to maintain a balance between free and slave states. This ruling effectively opened all territories to the possibility of slavery, intensifying sectional tensions and contributing to the rising conflict leading up to the Civil War.

Additionally, the decision stated that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, were not considered citizens and therefore lacked the right to sue in federal court. This contributed to the prevailing view of African Americans as property rather than individuals with rights, further entrenching the institution of slavery in American society. The implications of this case spurred debates about state sovereignty and the future of slavery in the United States, illustrating the deep divisions that ultimately led to the war.