The Missouri Compromise established a boundary at which parallel to separate free from slave territories?

The Missouri Compromise established a boundary at which parallel to separate free from slave territories?

• A. 25th parallel
• B. 30th parallel
• C. 36th parallel
• D. 40th parallel

Answer: (C)

The question is about how the Missouri Compromise tried to manage the sectional dispute over slavery by using a geographic boundary. The plan drew a line at 36 degrees 30 minutes north latitude across the western territories. North of that line, new states and territories would be free of slavery, while south of it slavery could continue, with Missouri itself allowed as a slave state to maintain balance. To keep harmony in the Senate, Maine was admitted as a free state at the same time Missouri joined as a slave state. This boundary reflects an early, temporary political solution to sectional tensions, though it was later overturned by shifts in policy. The other parallels listed are not the line established by the Missouri Compromise.

The question is about how the Missouri Compromise tried to manage the sectional dispute over slavery by using a geographic boundary. The plan drew a line at 36 degrees 30 minutes north latitude across the western territories. North of that line, new states and territories would be free of slavery, while south of it slavery could continue, with Missouri itself allowed as a slave state to maintain balance. To keep harmony in the Senate, Maine was admitted as a free state at the same time Missouri joined as a slave state. This boundary reflects an early, temporary political solution to sectional tensions, though it was later overturned by shifts in policy. The other parallels listed are not the line established by the Missouri Compromise.