The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
CultureAmerican
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.45
Not on view
DescriptionOne of collection of 200 silver medals.The 1820 medal: Missouri Compromise Limits Spead of Slavery
In 1817 the Missouri Territorial Assembly petitioned Congress for Statehood. At the time, a bill for admission was introduced in Congress in 1819, there were 11 free States and 11 slave States. Since Congress is balanced by allowing each State, regardless of size or population, to have two senators, the South had thus far been able to challenge the growing power of the North in the House of Representatives.
James Tallmadge of New York offered an amendment prohibiting the further introduction of slavery into Missouri and providing that all children born of slaves should become free at the age of twenty-five. With the greater number of northern Representatives in the House, the amendment was passed on Feb. 16-17, but was rejected by the Senate.
When Congress reconvened in December 1819, Missouri became involved in the question of admitting Maine as a free State. After vehement arguments both in and out of Congress, the House passed a bill, March 1, 1820, admitting Missouri as a free State. When the measure reached the Senate, it struck out the antislavery provision and added an amendment by Senator J.B. Thomas of Illinois which prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Purchase north of 36 degrees 30' latitude, with the exception of Missouri, the southern boundary of which followed this parallel.
This compromise was passed, Maine being admitted as a free State and Missouri being authorized to adopt a consitution without restriction to slavery although this had to be rewritten before Missouri was admitted in 1821.
