Missouri Compromise (1820)

In 1819 Missouri wanted to apply to become a state in the Union. This created a problem for Congress. If Missouri were admitted as a state then the number of slave states and the number of free states would no longer be equal–slave states would outnumber free states giving them more representation in Congress. Controversy arose within Congress about how to maintain the balance of free and slave states.

To maintain the balance of free and slave states, thanks to Henry Clay, Congress passed legislation known as the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state while admitting Maine as a free state at the same time. The Missouri Compromise also outlawed slavery above the 36º 30´ line in the remainder of the Louisiana Territory. This compromise maintained the balance between slave and free states, keeping it equal.

1. Prior to the passing of the Missouri Compromise, what issue did Congress face?

2. Who created the Missouri Compromise? (Name of an individual!)

3. According to the Missouri Compromise, what state was admitted as a slave state? What state was admitted as a free state?
Where was slavery now outlawed?