USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -There were 11 free states and 11 slave states. This is significant because there was an equal number of free and slave states. This balance of states was important, as one extra state-slave or free-would tip the balance of power in the U.S. government.

Detailed explanation-2: -The North was fighting for reunification, and the South for independence. But as the war progressed, the Civil War gradually turned into a social, economic and political revolution with unforeseen consequences. The Union war effort expanded to include not only reunification, but also the abolition of slavery.

Detailed explanation-3: -The westward expansion of slavery was one of the most dynamic economic and social processes going on in this country. The westward expansion carried slavery down into the Southwest, into Mississippi, Alabama, crossing the Mississippi River into Louisiana. Finally, by the 1840’s, it was pouring into Texas.

Detailed explanation-4: -Congress adopted this legislation and admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a non-slave state at the same time, so that the balance between slave and free states in the nation would remain equal.