1. The Missouri Compromise of 1820
Solution to resolve slavery, or “adding fuel to the fire?”

2. Essential Question
How did the Missouri Compromise of 1820 attempt to settle the debate over the future of slavery in the growing American republic?

3. Terms to Know
Slave States – any of the states (southern) of the United States in which slavery was legal prior to the Civil War.
Free States – States in which slavery was illegal prior to the Civil War.
Border States- Any of the slave states that bordered the northern free states.
Balance of Power- Having “equal” representation (states, votes, representation).

4. 1819
The state of Missouri wanted to join the union (United States) as a slave state.
At the time, there were 11 slave states, 11 free states.
Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky proposed the Missouri Compromise.

5. 1820 Congress approved the Missouri Compromise.
Missouri can enter the union as a slave state.
Maine enters the union as a free state.
Slavery would be PROHIBITED in any new territories or states north of the 36°30ʻ line.

6. "Maps." Maps. Heritage Society, n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

7. Results of the Missouri Compromise
Balance of Power restored (12 slave states, 12 free states).
Southern states were upset that the U.S. Congress could make laws regarding slavery.
Northerner states were upset that the U.S. Congress continued to allow slavery westward (below the 36°30ʻ line).