Happy Monday. I hope that you are all well.
I would like for you to view slides 1-5 of the attached “Slavery Divides the Nation”. This will begin our coverage of how the Unites States got into the American Civil War which lasted from 1861-1865.
Aside from the Northwest Ordinance (which I told you prevented slavery from going into the areas of Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, etc.,) the Missouri Compromise of 1820 was an attempt by congress to set rules for slavery as new territories became states. By 1819, there were 22 states in the country. Eleven of the states allowed slavery (slave states) while 11 did not (free states). Missouri wanted to enter as a slave state which would offset this balance.
Luckily, at the same time, the northern part of Massachusetts voted to divide and Maine was created as a free state. The balance continued. So that congress did not have to constantly deal with the issue of slavery as territories of the Louisiana Purchase populated and applied for statehood, they drew a line on the map along the southern border of Missouri through the western territories. All lands north of that line were to be free states while those south of the line could choose to be free or slave states. Congress also promised not to deal with the issue of slavery for at least 30 years. As you know, a lot was to happen in those next 30 years.
Because of the social reform movements, Texas annexation, the Mexican-American War, and the California gold rush, the slavery issue was always a political “hot” topic. The Presidential election of 1848 had three (3) candidates running for the office with the decision largely based on their views about the western expansion of slavery. (As a side note, candidate Cass was from Michigan.)
Please go to Youtube.com Type in: Missouri Compromise of 1820/aaron miller Please watch the video which lasts for 2 min 19 sec.
Remember that IXL assignments (N) 3 & 6 are due by 3:00 PM today,
New IXL assignment due Wed., May 6 by 3:00 PM: Section (N) The Antebellum Period #5 “Slavery in the South” and #9 “Causes of the Civil War: Missouri Compromise to Bleeding Kansas.”
Take care and stay safe – Mr. B