The Missouri Compromise and Its Impact on American Slavery Debate

In 1819, the Senate was balanced between slave and free states. Missouri's application for statehood threatened this balance, sparking a national debate on slavery. Northern politicians demanded Missouri free its slaves, while southerners opposed federal interference. The conflict was resolved by the Missouri Compromise, led by Henry Clay, admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining Senate balance. The compromise also established a geographic line for slavery in future territories. Despite the temporary resolution, figures like Thomas Jefferson foresaw future crises, predicting the debate as a precursor to national division.

What was the main issue that arose as territories from the Louisiana Purchase applied for statehood?

• Whether they would adopt the metric system

• Whether they would be agricultural or industrial states

• Whether they would join as slave or free states

• Whether they would have a monarchy or democracy

What did northern politicians demand as a condition for Missouri's admission to the Union?

• That Missouri build a new capital

• That Missouri free its slaves

• That Missouri adopt a new constitution

• That Missouri increase its population

What was James Talmage's proposal regarding Missouri?

• To allow Missouri to decide its own laws

• To divide Missouri into two states

• To gradually emancipate Missouri's slaves

• To make Missouri a free state immediately

What was the reaction in the South to Talmage's amendment?

• They supported it wholeheartedly

• They proposed a similar amendment

• They were outraged

• They were indifferent

What significant event did the Missouri Compromise resolve?

• The first major national debate on slavery

• The decision to build a new capital

• The election of a new president

• The establishment of a new currency

Who was credited with guiding the Missouri Compromise through the Senate?

• Andrew Jackson

• Henry Clay

• James Talmage

• Thomas Jefferson

What was the outcome of the Missouri Compromise regarding state admissions?

• Both Missouri and Maine were admitted as free states

• Missouri was admitted as a slave state and Maine as a free state

• Maine was admitted as a slave state

• Missouri was admitted as a free state

What line was established by the Missouri Compromise to divide future slave and free territories?

• The Prime Meridian

• The Mason-Dixon Line

• The 36°30' parallel

• The Equator

What did Thomas Jefferson predict about the Missouri debate?

• It would strengthen the Union

• It would eventually tear the country apart

• It would be forgotten quickly

• It would lead to economic prosperity

What nickname did Henry Clay earn due to his role in the Missouri Compromise?

• The Great Orator

• The Great Compromiser

• The Great Emancipator

• The Great Unifier