The missouri compromise
During the Era of Good Feelings, sectionalism was an ongoing event that threatened the Union. First, the creation of the Missouri Compromise was caused by Congress’s consideration to enter Missouri into the Union as a slave state even though at the time there was an even number of free and slave states. The first few disagreements were caused by the idea that by adding a new slave state, the compromise would tip the balance within the Senate making them in favor of the South by majority rules. Congress still wanted to make Missouri a part of the Union and enter it as a slave state, yet, they had to find a way to protect the power of the free states which caused the Missouri Compromise that set specific guidelines that would protect the free states, and compromise with the slave states.To protect the power of the free states, a special amendment was passed known as the Missouri Compromise. It said that the United States would accept Missouri as a slave state, but importing slaves into Missouri would be illegal. In addition, the Missouri Compromise would set free the children of the Missouri slaves. However, each group did not agree with these regulations, yet Henry Clay, secretary of state, convinced Congress to agree to the Compromise on March 3rd, 1820 settling the conflict that had arisen from Missouri’s application for statehood. The main conditions under the Missouri Compromise included that Missouri would enter the Union as a slave state, Maine would join the Union as a free state (so the number of free and slave states remained equal), and stated that slavery would be prohibited in any new territory or state formed north of the 36 degree 30’ latitude mark, also known as Missouri’s southernmost border. Overall, the Missouri Compromise made a positive effect on the disputes between the North and South by settling a major conflict during a time heavily influenced by sectionalism. Even though, the compromise offered a temporary solution, and was successful, but did not end the disagreements over the expansion of slavery.