How did the Dred Scott decision affect free African Americans?

In March 1857, the United States Supreme Court declared that all blacks, slaves as well as free blacks, were not, and could never become, citizens of the United States. The decision was a victory for southern slaveholders, while northerners were outraged at its outcome.

As a non-citizen, the court stated that Scott had no right and could not sue in a federal court and must remain a slave so basically it had no type of affect.

It taught people how to live a good life, but not what to believe.