Missouri Compromise History Timeline and Biographies

The Admission of Missouri as a Slave State

In 1819, Missouri applied for statehood as a slave state, igniting a fierce debate in Congress over the expansion of slavery into the western territories. This led to a national crisis as lawmakers struggled to maintain a balance between free and slave states.

The Missouri Compromise is Passed

On March 3, 1820, the Missouri Compromise was enacted, allowing Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while admitting Maine as a free state. This legislation aimed to preserve the balance of power in Congress between free and slave states.

Establishment of the 36°30′ Line

The Missouri Compromise established the 36°30′ parallel as the boundary for future states. Territories north of this line would be free states, while those south could permit slavery. This provision was crucial in regulating the expansion of slavery in the United States.

Missouri's Statehood and Constitution

In 1821, Missouri officially became the 24th state of the United States, adopting a constitution that permitted slavery. The Missouri Compromise played a significant role in shaping the state's legal framework regarding slavery.

Political Tensions Rise Over Slavery

By 1830, the political tensions surrounding the Missouri Compromise began to intensify as more territories sought statehood. The question of whether these new states would be free or slave states became increasingly contentious, foreshadowing future conflicts.

The Compromise of 1850 and Its Impact

The Compromise of 1850 attempted to address the ongoing disputes over slavery, building on the framework established by the Missouri Compromise. It admitted California as a free state and allowed new territories to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty, challenging the Missouri Compromise's boundaries.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act and Repeal of the Missouri Compromise

In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise. This act allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery, leading to violent conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas."

In 1857, the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision ruled that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories, undermining the Missouri Compromise. This decision further inflamed sectional tensions and contributed to the onset of the Civil War.

The Civil War began in 1861, largely fueled by the unresolved issues surrounding slavery that were highlighted by the Missouri Compromise and its eventual repeal. The conflict would ultimately determine the fate of slavery in the United States.

In 1865, the 13th Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery in the United States. This amendment marked the end of the contentious debates initiated by the Missouri Compromise over the legality of slavery in the nation.

By 1870, the United States was undergoing Reconstruction, a period that sought to address the issues of slavery and civil rights that had been central to the Missouri Compromise. This era aimed to integrate formerly enslaved individuals into society and redefine state and federal relationships.

By 1890, the Missouri Compromise was viewed as a significant historical event that highlighted the deep divisions in American society over slavery. Its legacy continued to influence debates on race and civil rights in the years to come.

The 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education challenged segregation laws that had roots in the same societal issues that the Missouri Compromise addressed. This case marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, echoing the long-standing struggle for equality.

In 2020, the Missouri Compromise remained a critical subject of study in American history, serving as an example of the complex interplay between legislation, societal values, and the enduring conflict over slavery and civil rights in the United States.