USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Kansas-Nebraska Act repealed the Missouri Compromise, created two new territories, and allowed for popular sovereignty.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Kansas-Nebraska act made it possible for the Kansas and Nebraska territories (shown in orange) to open to slavery. The Missouri Compromise had prevented this from happening since 1820.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Missouri Compromise also proposed that slavery be prohibited above the 36º 30’ latitude line in the remainder of the Louisiana Territory. This provision held for 34 years, until it was repealed by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.

Detailed explanation-4: -Anti-slavery supporters were outraged because, under the terms of the Missouri Compromise of 1820, slavery would have been outlawed in both territories since they were both north of the 36º30’ N dividing line between “slave” and “free” states. After months of debate, the Kansas-Nebraska Act passed on May 30, 1854.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a law that tried to address growing sectional tensions over the issue of slavery. By passing the law, which President James Monroe signed, the U.S. Congress admitted Missouri to the Union as a state that allowed slavery, and Maine as a free state.