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How did the Creoles and Americans reach a compromise during Louisiana's journey to statehood?

A. Through diplomatic negotiations.
B. By agreeing on a division of territory.
C. Through a series of military conflicts.
D. By jointly declaring independence from European powers.

User Anirudh
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Final answer:

The Creoles and Americans compromised through the Missouri Compromise, negotiated by Henry Clay, establishing Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state, with a longitude dividing line for future territories from the Louisiana Purchase. The Adams-Onís and Jay's Treaties were part of the broader context of securing sovereignty and economic interests during this period.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Creoles and Americans reached a compromise during Louisiana's journey to statehood through the Missouri Compromise. This compromise was largely attributed to the diplomatic work of Kentuckian Henry Clay that allowed for Maine to be admitted as a free state while Missouri would be admitted as a slave state. The Missouri Compromise also established a dividing line at 36° 30′ for future territories from the Louisiana Purchase - slavery was permitted south of this line, while territories to the north would be free from slavery.

This arrangement emerged from a context where the United States, after the Louisiana Purchase, faced both internal and external challenges in establishing sovereignty and securing economic interests. With the Adams-Onís Treaty and Jay's Treaty, foreign affairs with Spain and Great Britain were a major concern. The Adams-Onís Treaty frustrated some expansionists who had views on Texas, while Jay's Treaty facilitated negotiations that led to Pinckney's Treaty, allowing American commerce through New Orleans.

Even Thomas Jefferson, who valued agrarian expansion, had concerns regarding the constitutional implications of the Louisiana Purchase and subsequent complications but proceeded given the territory's importance for American westward expansion and the potential economic benefits it could offer.

User Nafeesa
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