The Missouri Compromise was an idea proposed by Henry Clay. He was against slavery, but knew that the South wouldn't agree to get rid of slavery altogether, and that Missouri, inhabited by Southern slave owners, wouldn't give up her slaves just yet. Instead, he allowed Missouri to become a state, and retain it's slaves. In exchange though, the North would gain a state as well, Maine. It also provided that Slave owners in Missouri wouldn't be allowed to purchase any more slaves.
This way the balance of slave states, and northern states would be kept. The North also won the concession that Congress could forbid slavery in the remaining territories. Plus the great area of land north of the Missouri Compromise line would never be allowed to be
This way the balance of slave states, and northern states would be kept. The North also won the concession that Congress could forbid slavery in the remaining territories. Plus the great area of land north of the Missouri Compromise line would never be allowed to be