How did the Dred Scott decision influence perceptions of slavery?

The Dred Scott decision significantly influenced perceptions of slavery by reinforcing the view that slaves were property rather than human beings with rights. In the 1857 ruling, the Supreme Court declared that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered American citizens. This ruling emphasized that enslaved individuals were, in the eyes of the law, the property of their owners, which legitimized and entrenched the institution of slavery within the legal framework of the United States.

By framing slaves as property, the decision affirmed the arguments of pro-slavery advocates and contributed to a more polarized national debate over slavery. It highlighted the limitations of rights for Black individuals and made it clear that federal rights did not extend to them, which further entrenched the legal basis for slavery and diminished the prospect of freedom for enslaved people. The ramifications of this perception were profound, as they not only influenced political discourse but also galvanized abolitionist sentiments among those who opposed the ruling and viewed it as a moral injustice.