How did the missouri compromise attempt to settle the debate over the future of slavery in the growing american republic?

I have to write an essay and I just want to get an idea.

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The Missouri Compromise was a critical piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress in 1820. It was an attempt to address the growing tension and debate surrounding the issue of slavery in the expanding American Republic. To understand how the Missouri Compromise attempted to settle this debate, we need to delve into the context and content of the compromise itself.

Here's how you can outline your essay:

1. Introduction:
- Provide a brief background on the historical context of the United States during the early 19th century, highlighting the issue of slavery and its significance.

2. Explanation of the Compromise:
- Describe the terms of the Missouri Compromise, which entailed the admission of Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. This balanced the number of slave and free states in the Union, preserving political equilibrium.
- Explain how the compromise also established a geographical boundary, the 36°30' parallel, delineating where slavery would be allowed in future western territories. States north of the line would be admitted as free states, while those south of it had the option to permit slavery.

3. Attempt at maintaining sectional balance:
- Discuss how the Missouri Compromise aimed to maintain an equal number of slave and free states to prevent either side from gaining a significant advantage within the Union.
- Explain how this delicate balance was crucial in preventing a potential civil war and maintaining the unity of the young nation.

4. Temporary resolution to the slavery debate:
- Argue that the Missouri Compromise was meant to provide a temporary solution to the issue of slavery, keeping the debate at bay while the nation continued to expand.
- Highlight the inevitability that the growing divide over slavery would resurface, leading to future conflicts, such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act and ultimately the American Civil War.

5. Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points of the essay and reflect on the overall effectiveness of the Missouri Compromise in settling the debate over slavery.
- Emphasize that while the compromise temporarily addressed the issue, it ultimately failed to provide a lasting solution, and the debate continued to intensify.

Remember, this is just an outline for your essay. Ensure that you further research and expand upon each point while maintaining a clear and coherent structure to craft a well-rounded and persuasive argument. Good luck!