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Sometimes things seem like they are going along quite nicely on the surface. However, all it takes is one event to show the reality of what is truly happening. In 1819, our nation seemed like we were managing just fine. But when a territory named Missouri applied to become the 23rd state in the Union, an ugliness surfaced that shocked the nation. It woke people up to see just how far apart the North and South were when it came to the issue of slavery. The Missouri Compromise, managed to avoid violence (for now), but revealed the powerful divisions that existed between North and South.
VIDEO #1: History Channel (2:22)
VIDEO #2: NBC Learn (2:50)
SOURCE #1: POLITICAL CARTOON
POLITICAL CARTOON
In this cartoon, you see Henry Clay, Speaker of the House at the time, attempting to keep a safe balance between ther South and the North, the pro-slave states and the anti-slave, or abolitionist states.
How are the economic differences of the two regions shown on the scales?
Which of the men looks angrier, or do you feel they look equally angry?
Why do you think Henry Clay is straining so hard in the image?
Does the artist believe that Clay can maintain this balance forever?
Does either side seem ready to compromise?
SOURCE #2: Louisiana Territory included in orange. No slavery there.
SOURCE #3: Color-coded map shows the division in the nation.
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