What three things happend in the Missouri compromise?

Asked 01-Oct-2018
Updated 04-Sep-2023
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The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, addressing the issue of slavery's expansion into newly acquired territories. It consisted of several key provisions and actions, with three significant outcomes:

1. Admission of Missouri as a Slave State: Missouri, located west of the Mississippi River, sought admission to the Union as a slave state. This raised concerns among anti-slavery forces in the North, as it would upset the balance of power between free and slave states in Congress.

2. Admission of Maine as a Free State: To maintain a balance between free and slave states, Maine, which was part of Massachusetts at the time, was admitted as a separate free state. This was a crucial element of the compromise, as it preserved the Senate's equal representation of slave and free states.

3. The 36°30' Line: Perhaps the most notable aspect of the Missouri Compromise was the establishment of a line at 36°30' north latitude as a dividing line for future slavery in the Louisiana Purchase territory. Slavery was prohibited in new states or territories north of this line, except for Missouri itself, while it was allowed in those to the south. This effectively set a boundary for where slavery could expand.

These three key provisions of the Missouri Compromise aimed to maintain a delicate political balance between pro-slavery and anti-slavery interests in the United States. It allowed for Missouri's admission as a slave state while preserving a rough equilibrium in Congress and setting a precedent for regulating the spread of slavery into the vast western territories.

While the Missouri Compromise temporarily eased tensions over slavery, it did not provide a long-term solution. The issue of slavery's expansion would continue to divide the nation, ultimately leading to more significant conflicts, including the Mexican-American War and the eventual repeal of the Missouri Compromise with the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854. These conflicts culminated in the American Civil War, which erupted in 1861 and was primarily fought over the issue of slavery and its expansion into new territories.