Today we will look at the ways that our country attempted to avoid a physical conflict (the Civil War) over the topic of slavery and state's rights.
To start with, I would like you to label the map entitled: MO COMP map. Fill in the names on the bottom, and make a symbol on the states that you think are slave states.
Next we'll check the map and how you did, and were slavery is located in 1820.
Next we will read the Missouri Compromise.
Watch the following video about the Missouri Compromise (Compromise of 1820).
Now read the following explanation
Missouri Compromise
In 1819, as Missouri began drafting a state constitution in preparation for statehood, New York congressman James Tallmadge introduced two antislavery amendments to the bill which allowed for the creation of Missouri as a state. Despite the fact that Tallmadge’s bills were not passed, the issue involving slavery threatened to explode.
The issue of slavery had remained controversial in America since 1787. In 1819, half of America’s twenty two states were free states (northern), and half were slave states (southern). Because the free states had larger populations, they controlled the House of Representatives. Free and slave states shared equal representation in the Senate. The admission of Missouri as a free state or slave state would upset the balance. Antislavery members of Congress argued that slavery should be prohibited in new states, while Pro-slavery members of Congress argued that the state should have the right to determine if slavery was legal or illegal within its borders.
A compromise was made when Maine applied for statehood in 1820. According to the deal thought of by Henry Clay, if the southern states agreed to the admission of Maine as a free state, Missouri would be admitted as a slave state. In addition, all lands acquired in the Louisiana Purchase north of 36° 30′ N latitude would be free. Both the free and the slave states agreed to Clay’s compromise. Nevertheless, the influence of the Missouri Compromise would last nearly thirty years before it would be repealed.
Watch the following video about the Compromise of 1850.
Next read this excerpt explaining the Compromise of 1850
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was primarily about the issue of slavery in America’s new territories acquired after the Mexican War, though other, less important issues were included as well. California had already adopted an anti-slavery constitution and appliedfor statehood. The question, then, was whether slavery should be allowed in the new territories. Both pro-slavery and anti-slavery advocates argued over the issue, yet neither side was strong enough to administer a plan of action.
The slavery issue quickly became a crisis that threatened the Union. In an attempt to maintain a balance between free and slave states, Henry Clay offered the famous compromise. Clay’s Compromise called for the admission of California as a free state, the organization of the new territories of New Mexico and Utah, with the slavery issue left to those citizens, settlement of border disputes between Texas and New Mexico, a prohibition of slave trade in the District of Columbia, and a more stringent Fugitive Slave Law
which outlined penalties for individuals who harbored runaway slaves. The compromise was accepted by moderates throughout the country, and may have postponed southern secession for a decade.
Although the Compromise of 1850 was a good temporary solution, its precedent led to future violence in Kansas, and ultimately, could not prevent the onset of the Civil War eleven years later.
Now open the Antebellum PDF and the Compromises Sheet PDF.
You will find that the antebellum PDF offers some additional information to help you.
You need to fill out the Compromises sheet. It is a compare and contrast of the two pieces of legislation.
Answer the and be prepared to discuss the following questions:
1. I it fair to count slaves as 3/5s of a person? If you say no, then what would be a better solution? (Be prepared to defend your answer)
2. What's a better way to decide where slavery is allowed: Having a line and if the state is below the line it is a slave state, or voting to be free or slave? Explain why you feel that way.