Missouri Compromise of 1820

     The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was in result of the Missouri Territory applying for statehood.  At the time there were eleven slave states and eleven free states.  Missouri desired to be a slave state, but this would upset the balance of free and slave states.  By chance Maine also applied for statehood in 1820 as a free state, thus keeping the balance.  Other provisions in the Missouri Compromise were the issues of slavery in the Arkansas and Florida Territories, and the remainder of the Louisiana Purchase.  Along with Missouri the Arkansas and Florida Territories were allowed slaves.  The Louisiana Purchase north of the 36°30' would be free.