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in 1819, the united states was on the brink of a major decision that would shape its future. the nation was preparing to admit two new states: missouri and maine. however, the debate over slavery threatened to divide the country. one representative argued that slavery should not be allowed in any new state, while another believed it should be a state's right to choose. a compromise was proposed: slavery would be allowed in missouri and prohibited in maine. but can you spot the problem with this compromise? elizabeth cox explores the middle ground fallacy in this fascinating lesson.
the middle ground fallacy
the middle ground fallacy assumes that the truth is always a compromise between two extreme opposing positions. this fallacy can be particularly dangerous when it comes to issues of morality and human rights. in the case of the missouri compromise, the middle ground fallacy led to a decision that ultimately perpetuated the institution of slavery in the united states.
the missouri compromise
the missouri compromise was a significant moment in american history. it was a compromise between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in congress. the compromise allowed missouri to enter the union as a slave state, while maine was admitted as a free state. the compromise also established a line at 36°30' latitude, north of which slavery would be prohibited in the louisiana purchase territory.
the debate over slavery
the debate over slavery was a contentious issue in the united states. the country was divided between the north, which was largely opposed to slavery, and the south, which was largely in favor of it. the debate over slavery was not just a political issue, but a moral one as well. many people believed that slavery was a violation of human rights and that it should be abolished. others believed that slavery was a necessary evil that was essential to the economy of the south.
the compromise and its consequences
the missouri compromise was a temporary solution to a complex problem. it allowed the united states to avoid a potential civil war over the issue of slavery. however, the compromise also perpetuated the institution of slavery in the united states. the compromise established a line at 36°30' latitude, north of which slavery would be prohibited in the louisiana purchase territory. this line became known as the missouri compromise line.
the legacy of the missouri compromise
the missouri compromise was a significant moment in american history. it was a compromise between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in congress. however, the compromise also perpetuated the institution of slavery in the united states. the compromise established a line at 36°30' latitude, north of which slavery would be prohibited in the louisiana purchase territory. this line became known as the missouri compromise line. the legacy of the missouri compromise can still be felt in the united states today. the compromise set a precedent for future compromises on the issue of slavery, which ultimately led to the civil war.
conclusion
the missouri compromise was a significant moment in american history. it was a compromise between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in congress. however, the compromise also perpetuated the institution of slavery in the united states. the compromise established a line at 36°30' latitude, north of which slavery would be prohibited in the louisiana purchase territory. this line became known as the missouri compromise line. the legacy of the missouri compromise can still be felt in the united states today. the compromise set a precedent for future compromises on the issue of slavery, which ultimately led to the civil war.
additional resources
for more information on the missouri compromise, check out these resources:
- the missouri compromise: a historical overview
- confederate states' rights: a historical perspective
- the most significant accomplishments of every us president
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