answersLogoWhite

0

Missouri wanted to become a state in the US, but wanted slavery to be legal there. If they did so, it meant that there would be 2 more senators and then more representatives in Congress that came from a "slave state". Up to that point, Congress was split evenly between "slave" and "free" members. Both sides were afraid that if the other side became larger, that side would be able to pass pro- or anti-slavery laws that they didn't like.

So the compromise was that Missouri could become a "slave state" and that Maine, which was part of Massachusetts at the time, would be split off and become its own "free state", thereby keeping Congress split evenly between "free" and "slave". The agreement also limited where new "slave states" could be- it drew an imaginary line across the continent at the 36th parallel, and any subsequent new "slave states" couldn't be north of it.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Which statement is trueThe Missouri Compromise postponed the issue of slavery?

The Missouri Compromise postponed the issue of slavery.


Which of these postponed the issue of slavery for thirty years?

Missouri compromise...


What happened during the Missouri Compromise?

The Missouri Compromise revolved around slavery. It prohibited slavery in certain areas and allowed it in the state of Missouri.


What Banned slavery in the northern portion of Louisiana purchase?

Missouri compromise


Did the Missouri compromise end slavery in the nation's capital?

yes the compromise ended slavery in the capitol


What groups split between The Missouri Compromise?

The Missouri Compromise splits the early America into the South (where slavery is upheld) and the North ( Where slavery is banned)


What did the Missouri compromise deal with?

it dealt with slavery


What proposed protecting slavery by restoring the Missouri compromise?

crittenden compromise


What was the issue of the Missouri compromise?

The overriding issue was slavery. The compromise included The Fugitive Slave Act and agreement to allow slavery within the borders of Missouri.


The Missouri Compromise dealt with?

Under the Missouri Compromise of 1820 Missouri was admitted as a slave state and Maine as a free state.


Why did the northerners protest Douglas's plan to repeal The Missouri Compromise?

The northerners protests DouglasÕs plan to repeal the Missouri Compromise because it would have made slavery legal in the northern territories. The Missouri Compromise had outlawed slavery in territories and new states above the Missouri Compromise line.


What did political parties do for many years after the Missouri compromise?

Political parties avoided the issue of slavery for many years after the Missouri compromise.