Missouri Compromise, 1820 | North & South sectionalism | Free states & slave states, Maine

Summary

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, addressing the growing divide between free and slave states. As Missouri's admission to the Union approached, intense debate over whether it would allow slavery led to a political deadlock. The compromise resolved this by admitting Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state, maintaining a balance between North and South. It also established the 36°30' parallel as the boundary for future states regarding slavery. While it temporarily averted crisis, the compromise set the stage for future conflicts that would culminate in the Civil War.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a key moment in the sectional divide between the North and South in the U.S.
• 😀 In 1790, there were 7 free states and 6 slave states, with this balance becoming increasingly important over time.
• 😀 The balance between free and slave states was disrupted as new states were admitted, such as Kentucky and Tennessee, which were slave states.
• 😀 By 1819, the U.S. had 22 states, evenly split between free and slave states, leading to tensions over Missouri's statehood.
• 😀 Missouri's location and economy created a debate over whether it should be a free or slave state, with both Northern and Southern influences.
• 😀 Missouri's slavery population in 1820 was 15%, much lower than other Southern states, contributing to the debate over its future.
• 😀 Missouri's strategic location as a river hub made it vital for both North and South, increasing its political significance.
• 😀 Representative James Talmadge proposed an amendment to emancipate slaves in Missouri, but it failed due to Senate deadlock.
• 😀 A compromise was reached when Missouri entered as a slave state, while Maine became a free state, maintaining the Senate balance.
• 😀 The Missouri Compromise established the 36°30' north latitude line as the boundary between free and slave territories, which remained until the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.

Q & A

What was the primary issue surrounding Missouri's admission as a state in 1820?

The primary issue was whether Missouri would enter the Union as a free state or a slave state, which would affect the balance of power between free and slave states in the U.S. Senate.

How did the sectional divide between North and South manifest before 1820?

Before 1820, the U.S. had a balance of free and slave states, with 7 free states and 6 slave states in 1790. Over time, as new states were admitted, this divide deepened, leading to tensions between the North and South.

What was the significance of the 36°30' parallel established in the Missouri Compromise?

The 36°30' parallel became the dividing line between free and slave states in the Louisiana Territory. States north of the line were free, and those south of it could permit slavery.

What role did the Missouri Territory's geography play in the debate over its statehood?

Missouri's geography made it a mix of northern and southern economies, with its fertile soil and strategic river locations complicating whether it would align more with the North or the South.

How did the admission of Maine and Missouri relate to the balance of power in the Senate?

Maine, a free state, and Missouri, a slave state, were admitted simultaneously to maintain the balance of power between free and slave states, ensuring an equal number of senators from each side.

What was the role of Representative James Talmadge in the Missouri Compromise?

James Talmadge proposed an amendment to the Missouri statehood bill to prohibit slavery, but his amendment failed to pass in the Senate, which led to the creation of the Missouri Compromise as a compromise solution.

Why was the Missouri River important in the context of Missouri's statehood?

The Missouri River was a key transportation route for westward expansion, making Missouri strategically important as a gateway to the West, which contributed to the state’s significance in the debate over its status.

Who proposed the line of demarcation between free and slave territories in the Missouri Compromise?

Jesse Thomas of Illinois proposed the 36°30' line of demarcation, which divided the Louisiana Territory into free and slave regions, while Henry Clay is often credited with helping to broker the compromise.

What was the long-term impact of the Missouri Compromise on U.S. politics?

The Missouri Compromise temporarily preserved the balance between free and slave states, but it ultimately failed to resolve the underlying sectional tensions, which grew in the years leading to the Civil War.

How did the census data from 1820 reflect Missouri's demographic situation with slavery?

In 1820, Missouri had a population of 66,586, with 10,222 enslaved individuals, about 15% of the population. This was a relatively low proportion compared to other slave states, indicating a mix of both northern and southern influences in its economy and society.