Student Activities for The Missouri Compromise of 1820
Essential Questions for The Missouri Compromise of 1820
- What events led to the Missouri Compromise of 1820?
- What major figures were involved in the creation and ratification of the compromise?
- How does the Missouri Compromise of 1820 highlight the growing divide between the slave power and free states?
- How did the Missouri Compromise balance free and slave states, namely in terms of congressional representation?
- How does the compromise help set the stage for future debates and negotiations in regards to the expansion and preservation of slavery?
- Why can we consider the Missouri Compromise a success? A failure?
The Missouri Compromise of 1820
The Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of early America. This land acquisition provided space for settlers and huge economic opportunities in agriculture and raw materials. The new land also caused a great deal of debate among Congress about what would be permitted in any new states joining the Union, particularly the institution of slavery.
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was instrumental for several different reasons. The compromise itself settled, for a time being, the dispute on where slavery should and could exist in the recently acquired Louisiana Territory. It called for slavery not to exist above the 36° 30’ latitudinal line. The exception to this was Missouri, which entered the Union in 1820 as a slave state under the compromise. In addition to Missouri, Maine also entered the Union as a free state (which was previously part of Massachusetts) to balance the number of free and slave states in the nation. This was meant to bring an equality to the slave and free states, along with balance in Congress.
Other issues were soon raised. Many questioned the ability of Congress to determine where slave and free states should exist. Some argued that newly created states should have the freedom to choose how their state would enter the Union. On the other side of the scale, politicians and citizens alike argued that slavery should not be allowed to expand with new territory altogether. Regardless of this, the Missouri Compromise of 1820 would remain law until it was negated in 1854 by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Still, the compromise itself is instrumental in understanding the evolving and highly-debated topic of slavery in the United States, including its expansion, the balance of free and slave states, and the overall institution itself.
How Tos about The Missouri Compromise of 1820
Engage your class with a Missouri Compromise debate activity
Organize a classroom debate where students take on roles as historical figures or representatives from free and slave states. Assign perspectives to groups and guide them as they research arguments and present their positions. This interactive format helps students understand the conflicting viewpoints and political tensions surrounding the Missouri Compromise.
Set clear debate guidelines and objectives
Establish rules for respectful discussion and outline the debate goals, such as exploring how the compromise impacted congressional balance. Explain expectations for listening and responding thoughtfully. Clear structure ensures a safe learning environment and keeps students focused on historical analysis.
Provide primary sources for research
Share excerpts from speeches, letters, or newspaper articles from the 1820s. Encourage students to use these sources to support their arguments. Using authentic documents deepens understanding and builds critical thinking skills.
Facilitate the debate and encourage reflection
Moderate the discussion, ensuring all voices are heard and guiding students to connect their arguments to the essential questions. After the debate, prompt students to reflect on what they learned about compromise and its consequences. This step reinforces historical empathy and helps students synthesize key concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Missouri Compromise of 1820
What is the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and why was it important?
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a U.S. law that aimed to balance the number of free and slave states. It admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while banning slavery north of the 36° 30’ latitude in the Louisiana Territory. This compromise was crucial in temporarily reducing tensions over slavery and maintaining political balance in Congress.
How did the Missouri Compromise affect the expansion of slavery in the United States?
The Missouri Compromise limited the expansion of slavery by prohibiting it in new territories north of the 36° 30’ line (except Missouri). This helped define geographic boundaries for slavery's growth, but also fueled future debates as new territories were acquired.
What were the main causes leading up to the Missouri Compromise?
The main causes included the Louisiana Purchase, which added new land to the U.S., and disagreements in Congress over whether these new states should allow slavery. The need to balance free and slave states' power in Congress also drove the compromise.
Who were the key figures involved in creating the Missouri Compromise?
Henry Clay, known as the "Great Compromiser," played a leading role in drafting and passing the Missouri Compromise. Other influential politicians included John Quincy Adams and James Monroe, who helped guide the debates and ratification process.
Why is the Missouri Compromise considered both a success and a failure?
The compromise is seen as a success because it temporarily reduced sectional tensions and maintained balance in Congress. However, it's also a failure since it did not resolve the underlying issues of slavery and was eventually overturned by the Kansas-Nebraska Act, leading to further conflict.
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