Westward Expansion - Missouri Compromise

What was the background of the territory of Missouri?

Missouri was part of the Louisiana Purchase, known as the Gateway to the West, and was settled by American slave owners in the early 19th century. Its constitution allowed slavery.

Why was the balance of free and slave states in Congress a concern?

It was a concern because it determined whether pro- or anti-slavery measures could be passed through Congress, affecting legislative power and electoral votes.

What was the Missouri Crisis, and what did James Tallmadge propose?

The crisis involved opposition to Missouri's admission as a slave state. James Tallmadge proposed an Amendment that required Missouri to gradually abolish slavery as a condition of admission.

What were the terms of the Missouri Compromise?

The Missouri Compromise included Missouri's admission as a slave state, the admission of Maine as a free state, and the ban on slavery north of latitude 36°30' in the Louisiana Purchase territories.

What were the implications of the Missouri Compromise?

It removed a barrier to westward expansion, but its constitutionality was dubious and had potential for legal challenges. It also intensified sectional divisions and encouraged westward migration. This also led to the eventual admission of both Florida and Iowa into the Union.

Limits of Missouri Compromise?

While it temporarily resolved the issue, it didn't fully address slavery. The line drawn by the compromise intensified sectional divisions and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.