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Declaration of Independence
"All men are created equal"
included white men who were property owners
excluded women, black slaves, native Americans and white non property owners -
Removal Act
Europeans expanded and displaced Native American tribes, not considering them citizens. -
Dred Scott vs. Sanford
Free or enslaved African Americans cannot be American citizens. -
1860 Election
Republican party in control. All free blacks considered American citizens -
Civil Rights Act of 1866
Act declares all persons born in the U.S. are citizens regardless of race.