USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Missouri Compromise of 1820 established the latitude 36°30′ as the northern limit for slavery to be legal in the territories of the west. As part of this compromise, Maine (formerly a part of Massachusetts) was admitted as a free state.

Detailed explanation-2: -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 This provision held for 34 years, until it was repealed by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.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-3: -Though both colonies claimed the area between the 39th and 40th parallel, what is now referred to as the Mason-Dixon line finally settled the boundary at a northern latitude of 39 degrees and 43 minutes. The line was marked using stones, with Pennsylvania’s crest on one side and Maryland’s on the other.

Detailed explanation-4: -Enacted in 1820 to maintain the balance of power in Congress, the Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.

Detailed explanation-5: -This so-called Missouri Compromise drew a line from east to west along the 36th parallel, dividing the nation into competing halves-half free, half slave. The House passed the compromise bill on March 2, 1820. The next day, pro-slavery advocates in the House moved to reconsider the vote.