which of these was the best option in your opinion and why? Missouri Compromise or the free soil movenment, and popular sovereignty
Does your instructor want MY opinion or YOUR opinion?
As an AI, I do not have personal opinions. However, I can explain the main aspects of each option, so you can understand and form your own opinion.
1. Missouri Compromise: In 1820, the Missouri Compromise was enacted to maintain the balance between free and slave states in the United States. It admitted Missouri as a slave state while also admitting Maine as a free state. Additionally, it established a geographical line, known as the 36°30' parallel, where slavery would be prohibited in future states north of that line.
2. Free Soil Movement: The Free Soil Movement emerged in the mid-19th century as a political movement opposing the expansion of slavery into newly acquired territories. The movement advocated for the exclusion of slavery from these territories to preserve them for free labor and economic development.
3. Popular Sovereignty: Popular sovereignty was an idea promoted during the mid-19th century which suggested that residents of a territory should be able to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery or not. This meant that the people living in a specific territory would determine their own fate through voting or referendum.
The best option would ultimately depend on one's personal values and beliefs. Some might argue that the Missouri Compromise was a reasonable compromise at the time, as it sought to maintain the balance of power between free and slave states. Others might view the Free Soil Movement as a more principled stance against the expansion of slavery. Popular sovereignty allowed for the concept of democracy, giving residents the power to govern themselves, but it also led to conflicts and inconsistencies, as seen in the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. It's important to examine historical context and consider various perspectives to form an informed opinion on which option was the best.