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Missouri Compromise
Established the principle of regulating spread of slavery to western territories. Drew a line at across western territories (Louisiana Purchase) at the 36o 30 north. Any lands north of the line would be slavery free, any south could have slavery. -
Ordinance of Nullification
Proclamation by the South Carolina legislature declaring the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 (taxes on the import of goods from other countries) null and void. This meant that the state of South Carolina would not collect the taxes in protest and hopefully it would result in cheaper goods that they could buy. South Carolina did not have any industry, only cotton and rice plantations, so all goods (machinery, cloths, silverware, etc.) had to be imported. Southern states and South Carolina especially -
Texas War of Independence
During the 1820s and 1830s the province of Texas, a state in Mexico, undergoes an influx of American born settlers from Southern states looking for cheap land to use their slaves to work. At first the Mexican government encouraged this immigration but by 1835 was fearful as the American population in Texas far outnumbered the Mexican. After much hard feels and attempts by the Mexican government to control the American settlers on October 2, 1835 the American community led by Sam Houston rose u -
Gag Rule
This resolution by Congress basically prevented (gagged) Congress from hearing any letters (petitions) that attacked slavery thus attacking free speech. The controversy grew out of long tradition of common people and groups sending petitions (requests) to their congressmen. These requests could be for anything from a public works, to a prayer for some cause, to a desire for a change. By 1836 more and more petitions were arriving to denounce or end slavery. Abolition (movement in the northern
