Final answer:
The Dred Scott case led to the Civil War by intensifying the slavery debate, reinforcing regional divisions, and catalyzing the rise of the Republican Party.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1857 Dred Scott case contributed to the lead-up to the Civil War in three main ways. First, the Supreme Court's decision in the case ruled that enslaved individuals were not protected by the Constitution and therefore could not sue for their freedom. This decision outraged abolitionists and intensified the debate over slavery. Second, the ruling reinforced the division between the North and the South on the issue of slavery, leading to increased tensions between the two regions. Finally, the case served as a catalyst for the Republican Party, which rose in opposition to the Court's decision, further highlighting the divide between the North and the South.
Learn more about Dred Scott case and its impact on the lead-up to the Civil War