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Missouri Compromise – Free vs. Slave States

Missouri Compromise – Free vs. Slave States

Activity Description

Missouri Compromise

The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to the Missouri Compromise and the issues associated with the expansion of slavery in the Antebellum period of United States history. Students will begin the activity by creating a map that represents the Missouri Compromise’s impact on the United States. This map will serve as a backdrop for the activity while introducing students to political and cultural sectionalism (northern and southern states and the issue of slavery) in the early 1800s. After students complete the map, they will answer several questions using it. Students will also be prompted to examine aggregated data from the 1820 Census and a map titled “Mapping Slavery in the Nineteenth Century” to make comparisons and draw conclusions about slavery, specifically in Missouri.

Suggested Grade Level

7-8

Approximate Time Required

60 Minutes

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to explain American sectionalism in the early 1800s.
  • Students will be able to cite the parameters of the Missouri Compromise and evaluate its effectiveness.

Materials Required

  • The student version of this activity, 11 pages
  • Colored pencils

Activity Items

The following items are a part of this activity.

  • Apportionment Legislation (An Act Apportioning Seats for Maine, 1820)
  • The Missouri Compromise, 1820 – Blank Map Including Missouri
  • Mapping Slavery in the Nineteenth Century
  • Information From the 1820 Census
    To download the document, click on the link on item 4A, then “Census of Population and Housing, 1820,” then “Full Document.” Once it downloads, open the folder, click on “1820a-02.pdf,” and go to Page 5 of the PDF.
  • Table of Enslaved Population in Missouri
    This table includes data from Item 4A in a more readable version.

Teacher Notes

Blooms Taxonomy

Evaluating
Blooms Taxonomy

Students will identify parameters of the Missouri Compromise and evaluate its effectiveness and sustainability.

Subject

Middle School History

Topics

  • Missouri Compromise
  • Slavery

Skills Taught

  • Analyzing historical records
  • Comparing and contrasting
  • Drawing conclusions
  • Making inferences
Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021
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