Sectionalism and Compromises

Front

What was the main reason the Missouri Compromise was needed in 1820?

Back

Slave states needed a voting majority in the Senate.

Front

Which Senator proposed both the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850?

Back

Henry Clay

Answer explanation

Henry Clay proposed both the Missouri Compromise in 1820 and the Compromise of 1850, aiming to ease tensions between free and slave states. His efforts were crucial in attempting to maintain the balance in Congress.

Front

The Missouri Compromise established an important geographical boundary. What was it?

Back

The 36°30' latitude line

Answer explanation

The Missouri Compromise established the 36°30' latitude line as a boundary, dividing free and slave states. This line was crucial in maintaining the balance between the North and South in the early 19th century.

Front

Which of these was NOT a provision of the Compromise of 1850? California would be admitted as a free state, The Fugitive Slave Act was strengthened, Slave trade was abolished in Washington D.C., Texas would gain territory

Back

Texas would gain territory

Answer explanation

The Compromise of 1850 included provisions like admitting California as a free state and strengthening the Fugitive Slave Act. However, it did not grant Texas additional territory; instead, Texas ceded land to the federal government.

Front

What new approach to deciding the slavery question did the Kansas-Nebraska Act introduce?

Back

Popular sovereignty

Answer explanation

The Kansas-Nebraska Act introduced the concept of popular sovereignty, allowing settlers in those territories to decide for themselves whether to permit slavery, rather than having the decision made by Congress or other authorities.

Front

Why did the Missouri Compromise ultimately fail to solve the slavery issue?

Back

It only applied to Louisiana Purchase lands

Answer explanation

The Missouri Compromise only applied to lands acquired through the Louisiana Purchase, limiting its effectiveness. It did not address slavery in other territories or states, which continued to be a contentious issue.

Front

What was a major consequence of the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

Back

Outbreak of violence in Kansas

Answer explanation

The Kansas-Nebraska Act led to the principle of popular sovereignty, allowing settlers to decide on slavery. This resulted in violent conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas," making the outbreak of violence a major consequence.

Front

The Compromise of 1850 affected which territorial acquisition? Options: Louisiana Purchase, Mexican Cession lands, Florida Territory, Oregon Territory

Back

Mexican Cession lands

Answer explanation

The Compromise of 1850 addressed issues arising from the Mexican Cession lands, which were acquired after the Mexican-American War. It aimed to balance free and slave states in these territories.

Front

What was a key criticism of the Kansas-Nebraska Act? Options: It made slavery illegal everywhere, It gave too much power to the South, It violated the Missouri Compromise, It prevented new states from forming

Back

It violated the Missouri Compromise

Answer explanation

A key criticism of the Kansas-Nebraska Act was that it violated the Missouri Compromise, which had previously established a boundary for slavery in the territories. This act allowed for popular sovereignty, undermining that compromise.

Front

Which compromise included provisions about fugitive slaves? Options: The Kansas-Nebraska Act, The Missouri Compromise, The Compromise of 1850, The Northwest Ordinance

Back

The Compromise of 1850

Answer explanation

The Compromise of 1850 included provisions for the return of fugitive slaves, strengthening the Fugitive Slave Act. This was a key aspect of the compromise aimed at easing tensions between free and slave states.