1. Northwest Ordinance Overview

2. Facts
Passed July 13, 1787
Resulted in the creation of the Northwest Territory; encompassed the region south of the Great Lakes, north and west of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River.
Slightly modified in 1789

3. Considered by many to be similar in importance to the Declaration of Independence
The ordinance set into motion the act that the federal government would be sovereign and expand westward across North America
Admission of new states as opposed to expansion of those already in existence

4. Very important to the boundaries of public lands

5. Affects of the Rivers
Ohio River was established as the boundary b/w free and slave territory
Caused thought/debate on admission of free and slave states for the new territories
Vital to travel/economy and definition of boundaries throughout history

6. Effects of the NW Ordinance
Lands were surveyed, divided up and sold to produce revenue for the government
Set a precedent for future settlements
States relinquished claims of public domain over to the federal government
New states formed: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and part of Minnesota

7. Natural rights were established in reference to law, property, education and religious practice
Verbage prohibited slavery but did nothing to emancipate slaves already in captivity
Slaves could not be bought or sold under “indentured” status
Article VI-required fugitive slaves to be returned to their owners; Pro-slavery status now had federal support