Question

what caused the missouri compromise? the south wanted to expand enslavement to the north. the north wanted to outlaw enslavement in the south. maine wanted to join the union as a free state. missouri wanted to join the united states as a slave state.

Explanation:

The Missouri Compromise was caused by Missouri's request to join the US as a slave state, which disrupted the balance between free and slave states. Let's analyze the options:

• Option 1: The South wanted to expand enslavement to the North – The Missouri Compromise was about the balance of free and slave states, not the South expanding to the North. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The North wanted to outlaw enslavement in the South – The North's aim was to maintain the balance, not directly outlaw slavery in the South at this stage. Eliminate.
• Option 3: Maine wanted to join the Union as a free state – Maine's entry was part of the compromise, not the cause. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Missouri wanted to join the United States as a slave state – This is correct. Missouri's request to be a slave state threatened the balance (11 free, 11 slave states), leading to the compromise.

Answer:

D. Missouri wanted to join the United States as a slave state (assuming the options are labeled A - D as per the order: A. The South wanted to expand enslavement to the North, B. The North wanted to outlaw enslavement in the South, C. Maine wanted to join the Union as a free state, D. Missouri wanted to join the United States as a slave state)