The Missouri Compromise

  "...Step with great care and great tact. And remember that life's a Great Balancing Act"

                                 ~ Dr. Seuss

      In 1819, there were 11 slave states and 11 free states in the Union. Politically, Northern states with their larger population controlled the House of Representatives while the Senate remained evenly split. There was a sort of equilibrium in the government regarding slavery, as long as the Senate remained evenly split with free and slave states, slavery would be left alone.

    That balance was threatened when the Missouri Territory became eligible for statehood. Slavery was legal in Missouri, and by admitting a slave state into the Union the South would control the majority of the Senate.  This upset many Northern leaders who had become concerned over the spread of slavery.

  When the Bill to admit Missouri into the Union came to the House of Representatives, New York Congressman James Tallmadge submitted an Amendment to the Bill.  Tallmadge's changes stated that Missouri would be a slave state but:

     1. All slave children would become free when they turned 25.

     2. No future slaves would be allowed to be brought into Missouri.

Tallmadge hoped that his Amendment would eventually lead to Missouri becoming a free state over time.  His Amendment passed in the House but was defeated in the Senate.

  Congressman Henry Clay then developed a series of resolutions to compromise between Northern and Southern Congressional leaders.  Clay was one of the most influential members of the House and was respected by Northerners and Southerners alike.  Clay's plan called for the following:

                 1. Missouri to become a slave state.

                 2. Admitting Maine as a free state.

                  3. Slavery would be banned in land of the  Louisiana Purchase north 36, 30 line.


Many people saw the Missouri Compromise as a clear sign that Congress was taking a stand against the spread of slavery.  In South Carolina, Denmark Vessey addressed his congregation on the Missouri Compromise before he planned his uprising.
             
    Here is a copy of today's notes.

Enjoy your day.