Question

Analyze the political cartoon. Discuss the implications of the Missouri Compromise and how it was significant to future conflict over slavery in the United States? The cartoon shows How does the Compromise of 1850 throw the issue of slavery into disarray and act as a stepping stone toward the breakout of the Civil War?

Answer 1

The Missouri Compromise was a legislative effort to maintain a balance between slave and free states in the expanding United States.

While the compromise temporarily appeased both sides, it failed to address the fundamental moral and economic differences regarding slavery.

It merely postponed the inevitable clash by drawing an arbitrary line on a map. This unresolved tension continued to simmer beneath the surface, waiting for a spark to ignite.

Missouri sought admission as a slave state, which would upset the balance. The compromise allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state while Maine entered as a free state, preserving the balance. Additionally, it established a line, known as the 36°30' parallel, with slavery prohibited north of the line in the Louisiana Purchase territory.