The Missouri Compromise - 1820

Introduction

Comprehension

Geography

The question of slavery was an issue all the way back to the Declaration of Independence, when Thomas Jefferson declared that all men are created equal. When the Constitution was drawn up, there was debate about how to count black slaves when determining how many representatives a state should be allowed to send to Congress. In 1820, the issue again arose when Missouri wanted to join the Union.

By 1820, the country had become divided into slave and non-slave states. Abolitionists in the North wanted all slaves freed. Both the slave states and the free states sought more power in Congress.

Missouri wanted to come into the union as a slave state, but if this happened there would be more slave states than free states; there would no longer be a balance of power. The solution to this dilemma was the Missouri Compromise.

The Compromise allowed Missouri to come into the Union as a slave state and Maine was allowed to come in as a free state. In addition, it was decided that an imaginary line would be drawn across the western lands at the 36 degree and 30 minute parallel. All new states north of the parallel would be free states. All new states south of the parallel would be slave states.

Although the Compromise solved the problem temporarily, it advanced the idea of a possible division of the country. People began to think of the country as separate territories: north and south. Sooner or later a more permanent solution to the slavery issue would be needed.

The Missouri Compromise - 1820

Comprehension

Points
In the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson declared that all men are created ___________.
free
poor
equal
smart
By 1820 the United States had become divided into ____________ states.
railroad and non-railroad
tobacco and cotton
slave and non-slave
rich and poor
Abolitionists wanted to ____________.
build more orphanages
free all slaves
expand socialism
eliminate democracy
Missouri wanted to come into the Union as a ____________ state.
slave
non-slave
agricultural
industrial
The Missouri Compromise stated that all new states south of the 36' 30" parallel would be ___________ states.
non-slave
industrial
slave
agricultural
Total:
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Geography

Points
The Mississipppi river is on the _________ side of Missouri.
north
south
east
west
Arkansas is ___________ of Missouri.
north
south
east
west
Kansas is ___________ of Missouri.
north
south
east
west
Oklahoma is directly south of this state.
Arkansas
Missouri
Illinois
Kansas
Missouri is ___________ of Iowa.
north
south
east
west
Total:
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The Missouri Compromise - 1820
Introduction
Comprehension
Geography