Activity Overview
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was an important piece of legislation that affected settlement and views on state and federal rights. Beyond the immediate problems solved or postponed, the Missouri Compromise influenced future legislation and debate over slavery.
In this activity, students will use a spider map to branch out other acts, compromises, and court cases that ultimately were a result of or directly influenced by the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This will allow students to centralize the compromise, and see what long and short-term effects it had on the nation and question of slavery.
Major Effects of the Missouri Compromise
- Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854
- Dred Scott Case
- Compromise of 1850
- The Civil War
- Postponing the Slave Question
- Wilmot Proviso
- Lincoln-Douglas Debates
- Popular Sovereignty
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map on one topic included in their spider map of the Missouri Compromise. Students should utilize the same idea (what events, legislation, etc.) that stemmed from their centralized idea. This will give deeper understanding to just how instrumental the Missouri Compromise, as well as their selected topic, had on big ideas like the extension of slavery, and slavery as an institution itself.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider chart detailing the major effects of the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter the names of the acts, events, or court cases.
- Write a summary in each description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was an important piece of legislation that affected settlement and views on state and federal rights. Beyond the immediate problems solved or postponed, the Missouri Compromise influenced future legislation and debate over slavery.
In this activity, students will use a spider map to branch out other acts, compromises, and court cases that ultimately were a result of or directly influenced by the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This will allow students to centralize the compromise, and see what long and short-term effects it had on the nation and question of slavery.
Major Effects of the Missouri Compromise
- Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854
- Dred Scott Case
- Compromise of 1850
- The Civil War
- Postponing the Slave Question
- Wilmot Proviso
- Lincoln-Douglas Debates
- Popular Sovereignty
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map on one topic included in their spider map of the Missouri Compromise. Students should utilize the same idea (what events, legislation, etc.) that stemmed from their centralized idea. This will give deeper understanding to just how instrumental the Missouri Compromise, as well as their selected topic, had on big ideas like the extension of slavery, and slavery as an institution itself.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider chart detailing the major effects of the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter the names of the acts, events, or court cases.
- Write a summary in each description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Effects of the Missouri Compromise of 1820
How to facilitate a classroom debate on the Missouri Compromise’s impact
Engage students by organizing a structured debate about the Missouri Compromise's effects on national unity and the slavery question. Debates help students develop critical thinking and empathy by considering multiple perspectives.
Introduce the debate topic with a compelling question
Present a central question such as, "Did the Missouri Compromise ultimately help or harm the United States?" This gives students a clear focus and encourages thoughtful discussion.
Assign students to opposing sides
Divide students into two groups—one supporting and one opposing the compromise’s impact. Group roles help all students participate and view history from different angles.
Guide research and evidence gathering
Encourage each group to use class materials and outside sources to find facts, quotes, and examples supporting their side. Research builds confidence and deepens historical understanding.
Moderate the debate and ensure respectful discussion
Set clear rules for speaking and listening. Monitor the debate to keep it on track and ensure all voices are heard respectfully.
Reflect and debrief after the debate
Lead a class discussion about what students learned and how their views may have changed. Reflection cements learning and helps students process complex historical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Effects of the Missouri Compromise of 1820
What were the main effects of the Missouri Compromise of 1820?
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 had major effects such as temporarily easing tensions between free and slave states, setting a precedent for future legislation, and influencing key events like the Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott Case. It also delayed but did not resolve the issue of slavery, which contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.
How did the Missouri Compromise impact the debate over slavery in the United States?
The Missouri Compromise drew a geographic line dividing future free and slave territories, intensifying the national debate over slavery's expansion. While it postponed conflict, it also highlighted deep divisions and set the stage for more heated disputes, ultimately leading to the Civil War.
Which events and laws were influenced by the Missouri Compromise?
Key events and laws influenced by the Missouri Compromise include the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, the Compromise of 1850, the Dred Scott Case, the Wilmot Proviso, and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. These shaped policies and debates about slavery and state rights.
How can students use a spider map to understand the Missouri Compromise's impact?
Students can create a spider map by placing the Missouri Compromise at the center and branching out to related acts, events, and court cases. This visual tool helps connect the compromise to its short and long-term effects on American history and the slavery debate.
What is a simple way to teach high school students about the Missouri Compromise's significance?
A simple way is to have students build a spider chart highlighting key effects, related laws, and events. This encourages critical thinking and helps students see how the Missouri Compromise fits into the larger context of U.S. history.
More Storyboard That Activities
Missouri Compromise of 1820
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