Missouri Compromise Signed into Law

March 6th, 1820

March 6th, 1820

Missouri Compromise Signed into Law
How Long Ago?

205 years, 9 days ago

Location

Washington D.C., United States

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Henry Clay
  • James Monroe
Links & References
Tags

Missouri Compromise Signed into Law

The Missouri Compromise was enacted to address the contentious issue of slavery in the United States. Under President James Monroe, the compromise allowed Missouri to join the Union as a slave state while simultaneously admitting Maine as a free state. Furthermore, it established a geographic line across the Louisiana Purchase that determined the status of slavery in the remaining territories, prohibiting slavery in the northern part. This legislative effort aimed to maintain a balance of power between free and slave states.

Missouri entered as a slave state

Maine joined as a free state

Established the 36°30' line for slavery

Attempted to ease sectional tensions

What Happened?

The Missouri Compromise was a significant legislative agreement designed to quell rising tensions regarding slavery in the United States. In the early 19th century, as territories expanded westward, the question of whether to allow slavery in these areas became increasingly contentious. Missouri's application for statehood as a slave state in 1819 ignited a fierce debate in Congress. To resolve this, the compromise was drafted and subsequently passed, allowing Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, while admitting Maine as a free state. This critical move was aimed at preserving the delicate balance between slave and free states within the Union.

In addition to addressing Missouri's status, the compromise established a dividing line at latitude 36°30′ north, known as the Missouri Compromise Line, which set forth that all territories north of this line would be free land, and those south would allow slavery. This geographic delineation would have profound implications for future states in the Louisiana Purchase territory and was an attempt to prevent further divisions within the nation.

The Missouri Compromise was championed by key political figures, including Henry Clay, who played a pivotal role in negotiating the terms of this agreement. Although initially celebrated for maintaining peace between the two factions, the compromise ultimately highlighted the deepening divide over the issue of slavery, leading to further conflict and contributing to the conditions that would eventually drive the nation into civil war. The outlawing of slavery north of the compromise line would also set a precedent for future legislative battles over slavery's expansion, impacting American politics for decades to come.

Why Does it Matter?

The Missouri Compromise is interesting as it exemplifies early legislative efforts to manage sectional tensions in the United States. It represented a major attempt to create a balance of power between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions within Congress. However, the compromise also foreshadowed the increasing polarization of the nation around the issue of slavery, ultimately leading to more intense conflicts in the following years, including the Compromise of 1850 and the Civil War.

Discover More Historic Events from March 6th

Military & Warfare

Deadly Shooting at Kabul Ceremony

March 6th, 2020 5 years ago

Gunmen attacked a ceremony in Kabul, resulting in 32 fatalities and 81 injuries. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for this assault, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as gunfire erupted during the event, which was attended by numerous participants. The attack mirrored the country's struggle with violence and instability.

Continue Reading
Economics & Industry

Jeff Bezos Becomes World's Richest Person

March 6th, 2018 7 years ago

Jeff Bezos was named the world's richest person by Forbes with a net worth of $112 billion, marking the first time he held this title. This achievement highlighted the meteoric rise of Amazon, the company he founded, which transformed retail and technology. The publication’s annual list of billionaires caused major headlines as Bezos surpassed other tech giants, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the tech industry. The significant wealth difference also sparked discussions around economic inequality.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Deadly attacks in Baghdad and Jerusalem

March 6th, 2008 17 years ago

A suicide bomber struck a crowded marketplace in Baghdad, resulting in the deaths of 68 individuals, including several first responders who rushed to the scene. On the same day, a gunman opened fire at a school in Jerusalem, killing eight students. The simultaneous occurrences of these violent acts highlighted the ongoing tensions and instability in both Iraq and Israel, igniting fears of escalating violence in the region.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Air Algérie Flight 6289 Crash Overview

March 6th, 2003 22 years ago

Air Algérie Flight 6289, operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, crashed shortly after takeoff from Aguenar – Hadj Bey Akhamok Airport in Tamanrasset, Algeria. The flight was heading to Algiers when it encountered difficulties, resulting in the tragic loss of 102 lives out of the 103 people on board. The sole survivor was admitted to a local hospital for treatment. The incident raised significant concerns regarding aviation safety in the region.

Continue Reading
Technology & Innovation

Michelangelo Virus Starts Infecting Computers

March 6th, 1992 33 years ago

The Michelangelo computer virus began affecting computers globally, primarily targeting PCs running DOS. Discovered in late 1991, this virus was set to activate on March 6, causing widespread panic among users. Many feared data loss, prompting urgent action by system administrators and software developers to mitigate the threats posed by this malicious software. Initial reports indicated that the virus was distributed via infected floppy disks and shared between systems, highlighting vulnerabilities in digital security protocols of the time.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

SAS Shoots IRA Volunteers in Gibraltar

March 6th, 1988 37 years ago

Three Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteers were shot dead by the Special Air Service (SAS) while they were in a car in Gibraltar. The incident, known as Operation Flavius, occurred when the SAS intercepted the suspected IRA members, who were believed to be planning an attack. The volunteers, who were unarmed at the time, were identified as Sean Savage, Geoffrey McIlroy, and Brian McGlinchey. The confrontation sparked controversy and debate regarding the use of lethal force in counter-terrorism operations.

Continue Reading