Date: September 30, 2001                  Group Members: John Doe

Your problem (phrase):

An increase in sectional conflicts resulting from Missouri's admission to the Union.

Present evidence that a problem exists. Be as specific as possible and cite three sources of data:

In 1818 there were 11 states which allowed slavery and 11 states that outlawed it. This also meant that there were exactly 22 Senators from slave states and 22 from free states. Since the House of Representatives had a majority from free states, it was important for the South to have a counterweight in the Senate. The entrance of a new state into the Union would tilt the balance towards one side or the other.

A measure enabling Missouri to become a state while also forbidding bringing any more slaves into Missouri, passed the House of Representatives.

Most new states were free or slave depending on where they were geographically with respect to the Mason Dixon line and Ohio River. However, Missouri was to the West of the Mississippi River and thus presented a new and difficult case.