Missouri Compromise
Why it happened?
-Missouri wants admission as a slave state, but Missouri's admission threatens delicate balance of slave and Free states (11 free & 11 slave). Becomes “Tipping the balance state”
-Imbalance of Power in Congress (Senate)
-North particularly scared because slavery is expanding and they might lose power in Congress—can’t pass tariffs to protect their manufacturing-based economy
-Tallmadge Amendment- James Tallmadge proposes an amendment in which no more slaves could be admitted to Missouri and slaves in Missouri would be emancipated at the age of 25. Compromise was rejected by Southerners in the Senate, more effective compromise had to be reached...
Key Figures Involved:
-Henry Clay designs a series of arrangements called the Missouri Compromise in an attempt to satisfy both sides
-Monroe signs the Compromise in 1820
What did it do?
-Missouri admitted as a slave state
-Maine admitted as Free State
-Territory from Louisiana Purchase (Jefferson gained this territory during presidency) split into 2 spheres; slaveholders & free-settlers
-Missouri permitted to keep slaves, but all future slavery was banned North of the line 36°30' (Mason-Dixon Line)
What each side got?
-South won Missouri and unrestricted slave trade
-North won in that Congress could forbid slavery in remaining territories. Area North of 36°30' —except Missouri—forbidden to slavery. Maine was admitted free, keeping all important balance.
Why it was important?
-Preserved the Union, both North and South content with result
-Problem appeared settled, but only temporarily covered up the burning issue of slavery.
-Delayed Civil War
-Lasted for 30 yrs, until Kansas-Nebraska
-Supreme Court's Dred-Scott decision invalidated Compromise